What do you do?
I am first mate of the Alexforbes ArchAngel crew from the Royal Cape Yacht Club Sailing Academy that’s competing in the Cape2Rio 2023. I have also been asked to skipper the vessel back to South Africa after the race.
What does a first mate do?
My role is to be the skipper’s right-hand man. We usually don’t work together on the same shift, so I take over when he is resting. During bad weather we make decisions together.
What do you think makes you a good sailor?
Calmness under pressure. When things are tough, I am the guy who calms the situation down. Good teamwork is one of my skills. I am able to listen to everyone and reach a decision with the best outcome.
Tell me about being a first mate during a race such as the Cape2Rio.
I’ve done the race twice. This is my first time sailing it as first mate. I will use lessons I have learnt in previous races to advise our skipper, who can use the information to make decisions.
My primary job is as the trimmer — I adjust the sails to make the boat go faster — and also help with navigation.
You also build boats. What does this involve and what do you enjoy about it?
I have always enjoyed working with my hands. I am not an office-type person. I studied boat building at False Bay College.
When you build a boat from scratch, you assemble it from composite material, such as fibreglass and carbon, using a naval architectural drawing.
I love how the different designs mean no boat is the same. Boats are always evolving and there is always a new challenge.
When and how did you discover your love of sailing?
I’ve always loved water, but I only considered sailing when I was in Grade 8, when I had an opportunity with a sailing academy to attend a regatta in Sedgefield.
Does knowing how to build a boat make you a better sailor?
Definitely. Building a boat helps you understand where the forces are on the vessel and how it will react in the water. This gives you a feeling for how it will sail and how it should feel.
Building it and sailing it work together well. Because I am a sailor, I understand why certain equipment is being put in a specific place.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
I wanted to be a firefighter because it was exciting, or a pilot because I always wanted to travel. With sailing, I get to travel regularly and I enjoy that.
What advice do you have for young people keen to follow in your footsteps?
Commitment and dedication is key. If you say you will do something, don’t do it halfway and pull out. If you commit, things will work out.
What is your go-to career advice?
If you really want to do something, it takes a long time to learn skills, especially in South Africa, where the sailing industry is small. Dedicate yourself to whatever you have set your mind to.
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