Alex Bennett - a madforsailing profile

What’s your date of birth?
2 April 1976

Where were you born?
London

At what age did you start sailing?
Two years old

What inspired you to take up sailing?
My father

Where was your first sailing club?
Whitby yacht club

Which class did you first race in?
Topper

How did you buy your first boat?
Parents bought it for me

What was your first regatta win?
Whitby yacht club regatta 1992

What’s your biggest event or championship win?
Fifth in the1999 Mini transat, second 1995 Boss Eurocup and third in the 1998 RS600 Eurocup

Any other notable regattas that you have taken part in that you would like to mention?
Round Britain race 1992, third in class, two-handed round Britain race third, (youngest team) 1998, Fastnet race 1995 as youth challenge team , Mini Transat race 99 , fifth overall , Team Philips crew member

Which event will you be taking part in next?
Transat Jacques Vabre

Do you do any sailing-specific off the water training?
General all round fitness training

Which coaches do you use if any?
Currently none, last project Team Philips Benetton F1

If you weren’t doing the job you are, what would you like to be doing instead?
Extreme sports, I'll try any challenge

Which other sports do you take part in?
Rugby , badminton , mountain biking , outdoor sports

Do you have other hobbies or interests outside of sailing?
Motor racing and other extreme sports

Do you have a favourite bar, pub or restaurant?
Don’t drink or smoke

Tell us about your most memorable sail?
Mini Transat, singlehanded surfing at 16 knots under a moonlit night off Madeira. Fantastic.

More on page two.....