Ian Pinnell - a madforsailing profile

Runcorn

What’s your date of birth?
11-4-61

What age did you start sailing?
10

What was your first regatta win?
Enterprise NE Area Championships 1982

What’s your biggest championship win?
Fireball & Enterprise Worlds

Any other notable regatta wins you’d like to mention?
505 Europeans & Nationals, 1st Olympic regatta Miami (Soling)

Where did you grow up?
Middlesborough

What job do you do?
Sailmaker/chandler

If you weren’t doing the job you are, what would you be doing instead?
Rally driver

What other sports do you do outside sailing?
Skiing, squash, golf

Any other hobbies or interests?
Cars

Favourite method of relaxing?
Socializing

Favourite bar or pub?
Barratts in Northampton

What inspired you to take up sailing?
My parents

Where was your first sailing club?
Dorman Long Marine Club

Which class did you first race in?
Mirror

How did you buy your first boat?
Washing lots of cars & mowing lawns

Have you ever used a coach?
Yes

Do you have any professional links to the sport?
Yes

What’s your most memorable moment in sailing?
Winning my first national Championship

What’s your biggest remaining goal in sailing?
Winning the 505 Worlds

How much time do you spend on the water each week?
6 hours - average

Do you have a sponsor, and if so, who?
Pinnell & Bax - Gill

Who are your Sailing heroes and why?
Jochen Schumann, brilliant match racer, big fleet dinghy sailor, big boat helm.

What is the best excuse you’ve ever made for a poor performance in a race?
Hangover

What is the best excuse you’ve ever heard for a poor performance in a race, and from who?
From Vince Horney: He forgot to put his watch on

What’s your favourite sailing venue?
Mounts Bay - UK

What’s the single thing that could most improve the running of championship regattas?
Sponsorship

What’s your greatest strength in sailing?
Sailing in big seas

What’s your greatest weakness in sailing?
Light airs

What’s the single most important piece of advice you could give to younger sailors?
Enjoy your sailing and sail in big fleets

Would you rather sail with your friends - or with Russell Coutts?
Friends

Who’s the best sailor in Britain?
Me!

Who’s the best sailor in the world?
Jochen Schumann


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