Sailor Profile – Jamie Hilton (GBR)

What got you into the MUSTO Skiff class?
Ian Turnbull (Bov) lent me the prototype (#51) in around 2001 to sail the Lord Birkett trophy at Ullswater. I absolutely loved it and immediately fancied one thereafter. But it wasn’t until 2009 when the itch was finally scratched. There’s been no looking back ever since.

What have you sailed previously?
In my teens I divided my time between windsurfing and crewing (later helming) for my dad in an International 14. I got heavily into team racing at university and reverted back to crewing 14s with mates. After a few years in the wilderness, I tried the RS800 for two seasons, but the Musto Skiff was always calling.

How old, tall and heavy are you? (note: completed in 2020)
41, 182cm, 90kgs

How much training did you do in the MUSTO Skiff in the year prior to the nationals win?
Not that much if I’m being honest, really just attending as many open meetings as I could get away with. I put a lot of time in pre-2013 (before I moved overseas) and I have kept things ticking over since then. What I did differently this year was to attend more notable events (Kiel, Medemblik) and using them as a platform for a crack at the nationals. I’ve always been quick in and around the 15knot range, and so I worked hard to find pace in sub 10knots. Once I’d found this groove, my confidence grew massively. A good training buddy really helps too, and in Jono Shelley I found one with bucket loads of drive, a scary amount of pace, and an incredible will to win. I’ve learned to match that as best I can. Also the Bethwaite books (brain training) – they’re full of nuggets.

Did you do any specific training exercises to improve your boat speed & handling?
Just spending enough time in the boat so you can be sufficiently confident of speed and manoeuvres to allow you to look around and see the bigger picture. That’s where the big gains are made.

In the training that I manage to do, I aim to incorporate the following:

• gybe and tack way more than is comfortable, and give myself pressure manoeuvres (don’t be afraid to fail).
• always finish a run with a mock/real mark rounding.
• practice holding station on a mark in various sea states, with and without tide.
• practice high/low modes around other boats – learn what gains/losses you make.
• Persevere in light winds. The gains are huge.
  Being sail fit too is a massive plus. A mixture of sailing, rowing machine, and squeezing a foam ball works for me.

What were your rig settings (Rake, tensions (shroud & lowers) spreaders (length & deflection)?
Rake at 7240, 30 (loos) on the shrouds, I vary the lowers between 9 and 14 (Bluewave Magic), spreaders 110mm deflection and 385mm long (3 ½ holes showing).

What did it feel like to lift the trophy at the prize giving?
Emotional – I couldn’t believe I’d done it.

Do you have any sponsors?
No.

What other hobbies do you have?
Cycling, skiing, curling.

Are you married / have any kids?
Yes – married to Natalie / No.

What is your favourite band/music?
Foo Fighters and anything upbeat.

What’s your favourite food?
Lamb chops and mint sauce.

What is your day job?
I work for Premier Oil in Aberdeen running a team of subsurface specialists.