Bob: What brought you to the Fifteen fleet?

Huw: Bob. He had sailed Mike Riley’s boat in the winter series and suggested we try one for a year. Four years later we are still enjoying the challenge.

Bob: Tell me about your sailing history.

Huw: Started sailing GP14s on a gravel pit in Berkshire at the age of 5 with my father. Then progressed to sailing Fireballs at Datchet Water. Then after a spell overseas in the Far East, where I was mainly racing yachts on the Asian circuit, I returned home and was persuaded by Bob to join Parkstone, initially in an RS400 and then a Laser and now the Fifteen. Sailed a J50 in New York for a season and managed to get a few regatta wins during that time.

Bob: What has been your best sailing experience to date?

Huw: Apart from crewing for Bob, it would be the 3 consecutive years I sailed a Sydney 38 in Hamilton Island Race week in the Whitsundays in Australia. However a ride with Sir Ben on the AC’s would be great.

Bob: What has been your worst sailing experience to date?

Huw: Still waiting for it. Sailing is always a buzz and has been so much part of my life that I cannot say that even the bad (sorry less good) times are not exciting.

Bob: What is the best boat you have sailed?

Huw: Boats have been varied, ranging from a Europe in the early days to sailing high power racing yachts with crews of up to 25. However the best boat is always the one you currently sail. So it would be the Fifteen.

Bob: Upwind or Downwind?

Huw: Downwind, as it’s less of a slog and on a windy day, a pure pleasure.

Bob: Symmetrical or Asymmetrical?

Huw: Difficult to choose. However, for ease of trimming and gybing it would have to be asymmetrical

Bob: Light or strong winds?

Huw: Both have their challenges. One is a more cerebral test where the other is more physical. However, strong winds always have my vote.

Bob: Your favourite music genre?

Huw: Eclectic

Bob: Chinese or Indian?

Huw: Indian

Bob: And finally, Rugby or Football?

Huw: Rugby. Players diving for tries not penalties….