Sailor Profile: James McIntosh (GBR)
- 2011 Musto Skiff UK National Champion
Here is a Q&A that was completed by MUSTO Skiff 2011 UK National Champion James McIntosh
What got you into the MUSTO Skiff class?
I had not sailed since 2004 and really missed competition. The MUSTO Skiff 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 MUSTO Skiff 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 MUSTO Skiff. 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.
