Rob Dulson - a madforsailing profile

A big man for a big skiff

Where were you born? Wrexham in North Wales.

What's your date of birth?
14/02/61

What age did you start sailing?
11.

What was your first regatta win?
Welsh Schools Sailing Champs.

What's your biggest championship win?
I have never won a major regatta.

Any other notable regatta wins you'd like to mention?
I will let you know when I win one.

Where did you grow up?
North Wales.

What job do you do?
I am the MD of Base 1 which is a promotional merchandising company, but I also run Sailspeed Ltd, which is the company that manages all the 18ft Skiff events in the UK.

If you weren't doing the job you are, what would you be doing instead?
If my knees had held out, I would still be teaching skiing.

What other sports do you do outside sailing?
None.

Any other hobbies or interests?
Woodworking.

Favourite method of relaxing?
Drinking red wine.

Favourite bar or pub?
I am too old to go to the pub (or is it that my wife won't let me?).

What inspired you to take up sailing?
My best mate's mum built a Mirror dinghy.

Where was your first sailing club?
Gresford Sailing Club (The worlds smallest sailing club - possibly)

Which class did you first race in?
GP14.

How did you buy your first boat?
Barclaycard (The card Alison doesn't know about).

Have you ever used a coach?
Only for skiing.

Do you have any professional links to the sport?
Yes, I run the UK 18ft Skiff Grand Prix Circuit.

What's your most memorable moment in sailing?
In Jan 1995 I sailed my own 18ft Skiff under Sydney Harbour Bridge.

What's your biggest remaining goal in sailing?
To win an 18ft Skiff regatta.

How much time do you spend on the water each week?
5 - 10 hours.

Do you have a sponsor, and if so, who?
Holt, English Braids and Typhoon.

Who are your sailing heroes and why?
Trevor Barnabas (four times 18ft Skiff World Champ).

What is the best excuse you've ever made for a poor performance in a race?
My weight ( I use that all the time in light airs, but the truth is I am crap in light airs).

What is the best excuse you've ever heard for a poor performance in a race, and from who?
"My boat sank" Tim Robinson, Aquatonic Grand Prix, Southend 1997.

What's your favourite sailing venue?
Torbola Lake Garda

What's the single thing that could most improve the running of championship regattas?
Starting on time.

What's your greatest strength in sailing?
My weight and size in strong winds.

What's your greatest weakness in sailing?
My weight and size in light airs.

What's the single most important piece of advice you could give to younger sailors?
Have fun.

Would you rather sail with your friends - or with Russell Coutts?
Who's this Russell Coutts fellow anyway?

Who's the best sailor in Britain?
Ian Walker.

Who's the best sailor in the world?
Dave Ovington, of course.


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