Edward Stevens - a madforsailing profile

I work for the GBR Challenge for the America's Cup, so any event that is relevant to that as part of our training programme

Do you do any sailing-specific off the water training?
Sailing instructions, regatta equipment and venue preparation for any event I am going to be involved in. My role in a regatta can make it successful and enjoyable for all the competitors, so it is important that I have done my preparation/

Which coaches do you use if any?
Rod Carr taught me as a youngster the art of RIB driving. Since then I have tried to pass this on to all the coaches I work with at training sessions and regattas - it generally improves the chances of the RIB coming back in one piece

If you weren’t doing the job you are, what would you like to be doing instead?
Any regatta or project with a specific goal and timescale

Which other sports do you take part in?
Golf, badly

Do you have other hobbies or interests outside of sailing?
Yes, pubs?

Do you have a favourite bar, pub or restaurant?
Anywhere you can get a cold beer after a long day on the water

Tell us about your most memorable sail?
Watching first-hand any race that is the decider for a World or Olympic title or medal

Who are your role models?
Rod Carr and John Derbyshire for their ability to take the big picture of sailing in this country and structuring it to achieving the Olympic success that we have done in the last two games

What ís your biggest remaining goal in sailing?
Success in any project I am involved in, so currently GBR Challenge for the America's Cup. Organising the sailing side of a British bid to host the Olympics

How much time do you spend on the water each week?
About 30 hours at the moment, looking like it will grow to about 50 in the coming months

Who are your sponsors?
Don't have any, but on the water clothing supplied for the job is always appreciated

What is the best excuse you have ever given for a poor performance in a race?
No charts, forgot the Sailing Instructions and radio on the water, so we couldn't get the course and had to follow someone else

What is the funniest thing you have either witnessed or experienced whilst sailing?
Any incident at the Ultra 30s or matchracing with Rubber Ball and his legendary commentary

Do you have a favourite sailing venue and what makes it a great place to sail?
Anywhere where it is hot and sunny, and the water's not too deep if I'm pulling up anchors and mark moving

What ís the single thing that could most improve the running of regattas?
Professional attitude to regatta organisation on and off the water. People want to have good racing and an enjoyable time off the water

What is your greatest strength in sailing?
Dedication to the job

What is your greatest weakness in sailing?
Giving people the benefit of the doubt

What's the single most important piece of advice you could give to younger sailors?
Enjoy yourself

Who are your Sailing heroes and and why?
The Olympic team, having witnessed first hand the level of devotion and the time put in to achieve success

Who do you think are the best sailors in Britain?
The guys that are involved with the GBR Challenge. Ian Walker has worked hard to keep the best guys in the British team. It is a really strong team with so many strengths from all areas of sailing

Who do you rate as the best sailor in the world?
Anyone who wins continually in their particular field

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