Sailor Profile:
CHIPS HOWARTH. 2001 European Champion
 Here
is a Q&A that was completed by MPS 2001 European
Champion CHIPS HOWARTH.
What got you
into the MPS class?
I was working for the mast supplier, I had been heavily
involved in the final development of the boat and loved
sailing it during the development. Colin Goodman and
I were nearly arrested for ‘kiting it’ up the Hamble
River at 15kts during the development! (spinnakers have
since been banned from the Hamble River since that incident...
an MPS claim to fame that not many people know!).
What have you sailed previously?
Cadet, 470, 420, Enterprise, RS200, B14, GP14, Merlin
Rocket, Melges 24, J24, Albacore, Lark, Ultra 30, Fireball,
Laser 5000, Laser 4000.
How old, tall and heavy are you?
I am now 38, when I won the MPS Europeans, I was 29,
weighed 68kg and 5’10”. I was too light and short!
How much training did you do in the MPS in the
year prior to the nationals win?
My training was just loads of ‘on the water’ time at
HISC beating the RS700s. The Class was new and a boat
handling edge was the key.
Did you do any specific training
exercises to improve your boatspeed & handling?
Loads of sailing, focussed on maximising my short leverage,
I also think I was more raked than everyone else, i
did this to de power but it looks like this has become
the fast set up over time... i like to think I was a
pioneer!
What were your rig settings (Rake,
tensions (shroud & lowers) spreaders (length &
deflection))?
Not a clue!
What did it feel like to lift
the trophy at the prize giving?
It felt absolutely brilliant as the fleet has some great
names (Rich Stenhouse, the Sibello Brothers... currently
raked No 1 in 49er, Colin Goodman etc..), to win on
Lake Garda and receive the trophy from the great Luca
Devoti was a very proud moment.
Do you have any sponsors?
At the time, Selden Masts who still make a great product
for the MPS.
What other hobbies do you have?
I now do fell running and mountain biking, i am now
at the back of these fleets!
Are you married / have any kids?
Married with two kids, (ages 3 & 5), that slows
you down alot!
What is your favourite band/music?
Oasis, Stereophonics... I am a bit ‘90’s Brit pop!
What's your favourite food?
Can’t beat sea food in Portugal, there are not enough
regattas in Portugal.
What is your day job?
Sales & Marketing Director of Oceanair, a blind
manufacturer for boats, super yachts and super homes.
Other sailor Profiles
Daniel
Henderson 2011 World Champion
Richard
Stenhouse Multiple Champion
Bruce
Keen. 2010 UK National Champion
Rick Perkins. 2007 UK National Champion
Ian Trotter. 2005 UK National Champion
Kev
Anderson. 2004 UK National Champion
Gabriel Wicke. 2002 European
Champion
Chips
Howarth 2001 European Champion
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