Ian Budgen - a madforsailing profile

30th June 1970.

Where were you born?
Greenock, Renfrewshire, Scotland.

At what age did you start sailing?
Eleven years old.

What inspired you to take up sailing?
My father always came home with great stories after a days racing out on the Clyde, normally soaked.

Where was your first sailing club?
Royal Gourock Yacht Club.

Which class did you first race in?
Piper and Loch Long ODs.

How did you buy your first boat?
Saved up pocket and lunch money from school.

What was your first regatta win?
Mudhook, Schools & Cadet Races from Royal Northern Yacht Club in 1985.

What's your biggest event or championship win?
Didn't quite win, but 2nd in the 49er World Championships in 1998 is probably my greatest achievement.

Any other notable regattas that you have taken part in would you like to mention?
Pre Pre Olympics in Sydney 1998, Tour de Voile 2000 (3rd Overall), Admiral's Cup 1995.

Which events will you be taking part in next?
IC45 Winter Series in Palma, Admiral's Cup, and currently on the British syndicate for the America's Cup.

Do you do any sailing-specific off the water training?
Spend about 2hrs, five times-a-week in the gym or circuit training, when I'm at home.

Which coaches do you use if any?
Have used a number, as they all bring specific skills; notably, Derek Clark, Rob Andrews, Jim Saltonstall & Gary Boyd (Oz 49er crew) was great on 49er specifics.

Do you have any professional links to sailing?
I sail professionally.

If you weren’t doing the job you are, what would you like to be doing instead?
Wishing I was.

Which other sports do you take part in?
Mountain biking, skiing and windsurfing and squash occasionally.

Do you have other hobbies or interests outside of sailing?
To win at the highest level takes a lot of hard work, time and commitment. During our 49er campaign and now as part of the sailing team for the British entry to the America's Cup, free time is scarce and usually used just to chill out and catch up with friends.

How do you like to relax?
By spending time having fun with my mates, whether on our bikes, in our boats, skiing, or in the bar.

Do you have a favorite bar, pub or restaurant?
Not really, although the "pub with no name" near Steep, Petersfield, has provided some good memories and the "Frog & Frigate" in Southampton is always fun if Derek is paying.

Tell us about your most memorable sail?
Had some good ones, in all sorts of boats, but one that stands out was in the 49er on the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland. It was about 20 - 25 kts with big waves, hot and sunny and we were out training with Dan Slater and Nathan Handley. We set off up hill, just launching the boat from the top of these waves. I remember having trouble staying in contact with the side of the boat, and falling off on occasions.The conditions were so bad that just tacking was a big deal. Although we were trying not to think about it, it was soon time to go ‘downhill’.The first problem is bearing away (as any 49er sailor will know), and on the first attempt, both Slater and ourselves ended up "testing the water temperature." Luckily it was quite warm. On further attempts, we would be twin-stringing, on a close reach, with sails right out and the boat almost stalled, whilst waiting for a lull. After numerous attempts we did manage to pull the bow away without sticking it "down the mine". Apprehensively we hoisted the kite and took off downwind, both in our footstraps right at the back of the boat and spending half the time under water, right on the edge. It wasn't to last as we were pushing too hard, the bow went down, the transom comes up and we both went flying around the front of the boat again.Splash. The water was nice and warm, though. We must have cart-wheeled the boat five-to-ten times on the way home, each time the bear away being a major problem. Dan Slater ended up jumping through his mainsail at around the numbers height (quite a good effort) and sailed in under jib alone. What a great boat the 49er is..and what a place to sail it. Hot, sunny and windy, with warm water, 49er paradise.

Who are your role models?
Although he did not get a medal in Sydney, Chris Nicholson did an awesome job of dominating the 49er, with the help of Dan Phillips and Ed Smyth. On the big boat front it would have to be Russell Coutts and Paul Cayard.

What's your biggest remaining goal in sailing?
It has to be to compete and win in the America's Cup and I am really chuffed to have been given the opportunity to try.

How much time do you spend on the water each week?
Very dependent upon the time of year, but soon I will virtually live there.

Who are your sponsors?
For the 49er campaign, we were sponsored by Banks Sails, Busta, Henri Lloyd, Marlow, Oakley, Ronstan and Sola. Thanks very much.

What is the best excuse you have ever given for a poor performance in a race?
My brother.

What is the funniest thing you have either witnessed or experienced whilst sailing?
Whilst racing in the 49er on Sydney Harbour we managed to put our bow sprit through Adam Beashels' back foot-strap, while rounding a leeward mark. The event was part of the Olympic selection for the Australia 49er and Adam was having a bad day. Funnily enough he didn't share our amusement.

Do you have a favourite sailing venue and what makes it a great place to sail?
Got to be Sydney Harbour on a Saturday or Sunday, with a northeastely sea breeze. We had great fun there learning to sail (and swim) the 49er around the course, whilst dodging all the traffic. (Bit like driving up the motorway the wrong way, at pace and out of control.) It was generally hot and sunny which makes a lot of difference.

What's the single thing that could most improve the running of regattas?
The weather.

What is your greatest strength in sailing?
Good all round, from helming old heavy keel boats, to match racing, to crewing high performance skiffs such as the 49er and 18 footer.

What is your greatest weakness in sailing?
Being too serious, sometimes.

What's the single most important piece of advice you could give to younger sailors?
You must always enjoy your sailing, that's a big reason for doing it. As soon as you stop enjoying it you won't win.

Who are your sailing heroes and why?
All of the British Olympic sailing medallists from 2000. They have achieved one of my all-time goals.

If you could sail for a day with anyone of your choice who would it be and why?
Ellen MacArthur, because I would like to know exactly what it takes to achieve such a fantastic performance.

Who do you think are the best sailors in Britain?
The current national champions of their respective classes.

Who do you rate as the best sailor in the world?
Would enjoy inviting Conner, Coutts, Cayard, Dickson, Reynolds and all others interested to a 49er regatta in 20kts and waves in order to find out.

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