60 Seconds With Katie McHugh

1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat? 

            About five or six. My family were living in North Queensland my dad’s colleague was a keen sailor. Our family went for lunch one day and one of the sailing kids hadn’t turned up. I got thrown in a sabot with the club champion and a loved it (winning helped)!

2. If money (& sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy? 

            I’m actually loving my little laser at the moment. If money were no limit, I’d have boat shed on the harbour where I could launch at any time of day without needing help. I’d probably have a kayak as well and I’d like to learn how to windsurf properly.

3. What is your sailing goal? 

            While I’m competitive by nature, at this stage of my life, the challenge (and goal) is to stay in the game - to keep my body and mind active for as long as I can.

4. Tell us the back story to your laser's name? 

            I used to think of sailing as my religion - it’s where I went on Sundays as a kid. Apparently other people went to church. Now it’s more like therapy. It’s a great way to separate from whatever else is going on in life. It’s a bad day when my troubles follow me onto the boat.

5. If you could add any ingredient to our already world’s best toasties – what would it be?

            Spice - Sriracha, jalapeños or Chiu Chow chill oil

6. What are your second/ third favourite hobbies (obviously assuming sailing holds the #1 spot)

            I love cooking, eating out and good wine and coffee. I’m not sure if “indulgence” is a hobby. I enjoy trail running, more so in winter. I’ve started drawing recently and I’m finding that very therapeutic as well.

7. Describe what you do for work in less than 5 words? 

Save the planet. I work in sustainability. A colleague of mine tells his kids that he can see the future. I think that’s a pretty cool way of describing it as well.

8. What’s the first international flight you are going to book post Covid-19? And why? 

            Ash Deacon has convinced me the next masters worlds are going to be in Mexico. This sounds like a great trip, especially since Geelong was cancelled at the eleventh hour. Given money is no limit (question 2) I’ll probably visit Captain Steamy in Lake Garda on the way back!

9. What’s the maximum number of toilet rolls you’ve held in your household post 01 March 2020?

            However many came in my Who Gives a Crap subscription (I was down to the last roll when it arrived).

10. What’s your go to Covid-19 dish?  

            Variety is the spice of life. I’ve been cooking a lot at home, but also supporting the hospitality industry through heat and eat packs and produce boxes. The Chat Thai crew have a farm at Tiagra (Boon Luck Farm Organics) and I have had a couple of boxes from them that has really stretched my repertoire!

11. What life skill are you committing to learning whilst in lock down? 

            Drawing. I’m finding it very therapeutic. I’m also loving the scrabble with some of our other members. It won’t be a surprise to you all, but Andrew Cox sure is competitive!

12. Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know?

            I am the only person in my family who sails.

Katie Then…

…And Now.