Duncan McDonald - a madforsailing profile

Your Name
Dr. Duncan McDonald

What's is your date of birth?
11/07/65

Where were you born?
The 'Shed' - an affectionate name for Brighton General Hospital where I now occasionally work.

At what age did you start sailing?
About 5-6 years old on Dad's Lysander 16

What inspired you to take up sailing?
It was a family thing

Where was your first sailing club?
Warsash Sailing Club

Which class did you first race in?
Mirror dinghy

How did you buy your first boat?
Parents bought it - called Scrap after it flew off the roof of the car, hit the caravan and was then run over by a car in France

What was your first regatta win?
Local open meeting sponsored by Badger beer. Hic.

What's your biggest event or championship win?
1989 International 14 World championships San Francisco with my brother Neal with a perfect score (read into this what you wish) leading to the Silk Cut Helmsman of the Year award .

Any other notable regattas that you have taken part in would you like to mention?
I could mention many but the next would be repeating this performance at the following worlds, with no preparation, with my chum Martin Jones.

Which event will you be taking part in next?
Farr 40 Europeans/ Worlds on GBR 25 and the first 10 days of theTour Voile with the students.

Do you do any sailing specific off the water training?
Cycle about 100 miles a week and visit the gym on schooldays

Which coaches do you use if any?
Every other person sitting on the rail seems to have an opinion on my mainsail trimming. Jim Saltonstall is the only real coach I have ever used and the rest is discussion with your mates.

If you weren't doing the job you are, what would you like to be doing instead? .
Sailing. No really I would like to be a vet or a detective.

Which other sports do you take part in?
Cycling and occasionally canoeing to the pub but have been a keen football player and martial artist before knee injuries.

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