Mike Richards - a madforsailing profile

He recently finished working on the IC 45 Bounder and went to work with Dave Ovington on the Farr 52 he was building in Newcastle Bear of Britain With that project complete he has now joined Farr International in Hamble to be closer to his wife Sally, where he will be involved with selling the Farr range (Mumm 30, Farr 40,Farr 395,Farr 52) and brokerage along with developing new projects (Hush Hush) which will be launched late 2001 early 2002. You will also see him sailing with Tony Buckingham on the Farr 40 Bit of a Coup rather than the familiar Bounder and will be aiming towards the Farr 40 Worlds in September.

What’s your date of birth?
18 November 1961

Where were you born?
Port Talbot, South Wales

At what age did you start sailing?
Nine years old

What inspired you to take up sailing?
Mum and Dad

Where was your first sailing club?
SCOW (Steel Company of Wales!)

Which class did you first race in?
Mirror

How did you buy your first boat?
It was Mum's

What was your first regatta win?
Mirror regatta at the home club

What's your biggest event or championship win?
RORC yacht of the year 1992 and 1993

Any other notable regattas that you have taken part in that you would like to mention?
Too many, but the Sydney-Hobart Race and Tour Voile stand out

Which event will you be taking part in next?
Farr 40 regatta

Do you do any sailing specific off the water training?
Walking two Boxer dogs is enough exercise for anyone

Which coaches do you use if any?
None except for my Dad shouting from the beach "tack Michael" - it's still a nickname for me in West Wales

If you weren't doing the job you are, what would you like to be doing instead?
Sailing Skiffs

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