Catherine Potter - a madforsailing profile

West Bridgford, Nottingham.

What's your date of birth?
16th January 1984.

What age did you start sailing?
Seven.

What was your first regatta win?
1994 Yorkshire and Humberside invitation event in the Junior One Design.

What's your biggest championship win?
Silver medal in 1999 Aloha World Championship.

Any other notable regatta wins you'd like to mention?
Four years consecutive as winner of the North Sea Cup.

Do you like school?
Yes.

What's your best subject?
Biology.

What other sports do you do outside sailing?
I used to play hockey, badminton and netball, but training has now taken up this time.

Any other hobbies or interests?
Football (Man U) and music, especially dance.

What inspired you to take up sailing?
Dad.

Which sailing club do you belong to?
Notts County S.C.

Which class did you first race in?
Junior One Design.

Have you ever used a coach?
Yes, the RYA National coaches.

What's your most memorable moment in sailing?
Being stood on the podium at the 1999 Worlds.

What's your biggest goal in sailing?
Olympic Gold.

How much time do you spend on the water each week?
Five to ten hours.

Do you have a sponsor, and if so, who?
My Parents, Boardwise, Notts County Council and Bic Sport.

Who are your sailing heroes - and why?
Penny Wilson - three times Women's Windsurfer World Champion and one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've met.

What is the best excuse you've ever made for a poor performance in a race?
I went the wrong way up the beat - you can't argue with that one!

What is the best excuse you've ever heard for a poor performance in a race, and from who?
I wasn't doing that well anyway, so I thought I'd be generous and let a few more people past! By Eddy Short.

What's your favourite sailing venue?
Pevensey.

Who's the best sailor in Britain?
Nick Dempsey and Christine Johnston.

Who's the best sailor in the world?
Aaron McIntosh and Alessandra Sensini

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