Sailor Profile: Daniel Henderson (GBR)
- 2011 Musto Skiff World Champion
Here is a Q&A that was completed in 2011 by World Champion Daniel Henderson.
What got you into the MUSTO Skiff class?
My Dad was good friends with Tim and Kay Tavinor who supported me in the optimist, and also Paul Manning. After the 29er there only seemed to be one single handed skiff on the market worth owning so I chose the MUSTO.
What have you sailed previously?
Optimists until I was 13, Feva and Laser radial till 14, 29er till I was 16 then the MUSTO
How old, tall and heavy are you?
I am 20 (in 2011) years old, 6 foot tall and weigh 74kg.
How much training did you do in the MUSTO Skiff in the year prior to the Worlds win?
I didn’t do a lot of training prior to the Worlds, a few weekends at Stokes bay and the 7 days prior to the world championships at Sandringham yacht Club with a few Australian MUSTO sailors. But I have been in the class for some time and done most of the events.
Did you do any specific training exercises to improve your boatspeed & handling?
I haven’t really trained as part of a group before, however I have just joined Stokes Bay where we have 15 MUSTO’s so I’m starting to do more. I generally just race, and try to focus on doing a lot of tacks and gybes to improve boat handling.
What were your rig settings (Rake, tensions (shroud & lowers) spreaders (length & deflection))?
Rake: 7210, 29 on the shrouds, 11 on the lowers, 2 and a half holes showing on the end on the spreaders.
What did it feel like to lift the trophy at the prize giving?
Amazing, I still don’t think it has sunk in that I have actually won the World Champs.
Do you have any sponsors?
WellCom Group
http://www.wellcomgroup.net/
What other hobbies do you have?
Sad I know, but sailing seems to be the only one! I enjoy racquet sports, and cross country biking
Are you married / have any kids?
No & no …
What is your favourite band/music?
Rod Stewart, (no I am only joking Dan Vincent), Rihanna R’n’B
What’s your favourite food?
Partial to Chinese, or Indian
What is your day job?
Student at University of Portsmouth
