Ian Walker interview

GBR Challenge's sailing boss talks to Ed Gorman about progress in the British AC camp

madforsailing: For you personally this is a massive job and a very high profile one with many different challenges. How are you finding the workload and trying to keep cool and concentrating on the sailing?

IW: It's been pretty hard. I'm now just starting to find it a bit easier. What I very quickly need to start to do is to concentrate on my own sailing. I need to do some match racing events and I need to learn more about match racing. I need to get fitter and stronger and I need to find time for my own personal development. It's a bit like the England cricket captain or whatever, who tends to have a lack of runs because he's so concerned about his team and strategy and tactics that it's hard to concentrate on his own performance. So I've got to be very wary of that.

madforsailing: You've spent your life sailing fast small dinghies - are you enjoying sailing these IACC boats?

IW: I'm really enjoying it but you've got to bear in mind that we've actually only just really started. I'm going to enjoy this immensely over the next three months. As long as we can keep it running smoothly, it's going to be great. You can't get a lot better than this, can you? Racing two America's Cup boats in your home waters with all the best sailors you've ever sailed with, all on the boat with you.

madforsailing: Thanks a lot Ian.