Iain Percy - a madforsailing profile

21st March 1976.

Where were you born?
Southampton, Hampshire.

At what age did you start sailing?
Age four.

What inspired you to take up sailing?
My parents wanted to do a sport as a family so we all joined Weston SC.

Where was your first sailing club?
Weston SC, but I later joined Hayling Island SC.

Which class did you first race in?
Optimists.

How did you buy your first boat?
My father bought me an old wooden Optimist.

What was your first regatta win?
An under-eight's Optimist Championship.

What’s your biggest event or championship win?
The Sydney Olympics 2000.

Any other notable regattas that you have taken part in would you like to mention?
2000 - Finn Gold Cup - 18th
2000 - Chernikeeff Sailing Regatta - Olympic Trials - 1st
2000 - Sail Auckland - 2nd
2000 - Sail Melbourne - 3rd
1999 - Sydney International Regatta - 1st
1999 - Sail Brisbane - 1st
1999 - Pre Olympic Regatta - Gold Medal
1999 - Kiel Olympic Classes Regatta - 2nd
1999 - Finn European Championships - Gold Medal
1999 - SPA Olympic Classes Regatta - 4th
1999 - Finn Gold Cup - 4th
1998 - Sydney International Regatta - 4th
1998 - Finn Gold Cup - 7th
1998 - Kiel Olympic Classes Regatta - 5th
1998 - Finn European Championships - Bronze Medal
1998 - Finn National Championships - 1st transferred to Finn class
1996 - Laser World Championship - 5th
1996 - Laser National Championships - 1st
1995 - Laser National Championships - 1st
1993 - IYRU Youth World Championships - Bronze Medal

Which event will you be taking part in next?
Possibly at the Bacardi Cup in the Star.

Do you do any sailing specific off the water training?
Whilst training for the Olympics I was doing about an hour of aerobic work then a lot of weight training, in total around three hours a day.

Which coaches do you use if any?
David Howlett - AKA Sid.

If you weren’t doing the job you are, what would you like to be doing instead?
I want to do things other than professional sailing, but at the moment I will be concentrating on a Star campaign for the next Olympics.

Which other sports do you take part in?
Football and Squash.

Do you have other hobbies or interests outside of sailing?
None really, but I'm going to try medal collecting.

How do you like to relax?
Drinking in any of my locals.

Do you have favourite bar, pub or restaurant?
Any of my locals as long as they have beer.

Tell us about your most memorable sail?
The Laser Worlds in South Africa 1996 was just wild, it was just so windy.

Who are your role models?
Don’t have any.

What’s your biggest remaining goal in sailing?
To win another Gold at the next Olympics in the Star.

How much time do you spend on the water each week?
Around 18 hours a week.

Who are your sponsors?
BAE Systems.

What is the best excuse you have ever given for a poor performance in a race?
Always the night before !!!

What is the funniest thing you have either witnessed or experienced whilst sailing?
Again in South Africa, we were sailing in 50 knots of breeze (creative licence) and Ben Ainslie capsized and shouted to me to stop racing, turn around and get his cap back for him.

Do you have a favourite sailing venue and what makes it a great place to sail?
Sydney Harbour. It is a versatile area to sail and varied winds, tide and great landmarks and its sentimental to me now.

What’s the single thing that could most improve the running of regattas?
Beer sponsors.

What is your greatest strength in sailing?
I think I’m level-headed and don’t take it all too seriously, but my coach says I’m disorganized.

What is your greatest weakness in sailing?
My PR advisors!!

What’s the single most important piece of advice you could give to younger sailors?
You are always only a few steps away from reaching your goals. Stick with it - they are never that far away.

Who are your Sailing heroes and why?
Andrew Simpson.

If you could sail for a day with anyone of your choice who would it be and why?
Claudia Schiffer for obvious reasons!!

Who do you think are the best sailors in Britain?
Off the top of my head, Ben Ainslie for his commitment and dedication, Andrew Simpson for talent and Ado Stead offshore.

Who do you rate as the best sailor in the world?
Russell Coutts. He's achieved so much.

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