Sailor Profile:
2011 UK National Champion James McIntosh
 Here
is a Q&A that was completed by MPS 2011 UK National
Champion James McIntosh
What got you into the MPS class?
I had not sailed since 2004 and really missed
competition. The MPS is loads of fun to sail, friendly
and in my opinion the most competitive skiff class in
the UK. Seemed like the obvious choice.
What have you sailed previously?
49er
How old, tall and heavy are you?
I’m 28 years old, nearly 6 foot and 83 kg (Aug 2010)
How much training did you do in
the MPS in the year prior to the Nationals win?
I did not do much training at the beginning
of the year, just events. In the last 3 months running
up to the nationals I did a lot of sailing with Brendan
Jenner, who taught me how to sail in breeze and waves.
I put on 5 kg from the beginning of the year through
a staple diet of pasties. This definitely helped in
the chop and wind.
Did you do any specific training exercises to
improve your boatspeed & handling?
Short courses: We took a buoy out and set up
a very short course between the lobster pots. This was
great starting practice and soon highlighted any weaknesses.
Taking joules: Lead boat has to cover
the boat behind with lots of tacks. This warms you up.
Bottom mark rounding: Practicing gybe
drops and time on distance to the bottom mark.
Sailing close to other boats upwind: Trying
to hold a lane with a boat directly below you is very
hard in the Musto. There is definitely a technique to
sailing high in a Musto.
Swapping boats: This is very beneficial
and showed just how important the correct batten tension
is in all wind strengths.
What were your rig settings (Rake, tensions
(shroud & lowers) spreaders (length & deflection))?
Hyperlink to rig settings
I think batten tension is the most crucial
setting in the MPS. You do not want them too tight otherwise
the power is too on and off. If they are too loose you
have no power. You should just be able to fit the end
of your finger between the two bits of webbing at the
batten end.
What did it feel like to lift
the trophy at the prize giving?
Relieved.
Do you have any sponsors?
Harken
What other hobbies do you have?
Windsurfing, surfing, running marathons and
van trips.
Are you married / have any kids?
No and no, but I have a supportive girlfriend.
What is your favourite band/music?
Reef, Feeder.
What's your favourite food?
Roast dinner
What is your day job?
Contract web designer,
but open to offers.
Other sailor
Profiles
James McIntosh 2011 UK National Champion
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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