This week we welcome a new member to the club
1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat?
I first sailed a plastic optimist at a Tackers holiday camp at RPAYC when I was 9. 10 years later, I am instructing the same camps and still base myself out of RPAYC.
2. If money (and sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy?
I would have many lasers around the world. Either that or my own moth.
3. What is your ultimate sailing goal?
To go as far as possible in the sport. Could be state champion, or world champion, or none. I'll have to find out.
4. Tell us the story behind the name of your Laser?
Whooshka was the name of my second Optimist that I used in my last year in the class to get an AOST nationals result. My dad would say it when we went skiing, and I heard Traks say it during training sessions in optis while surfing big waves or on reaches. I didn't want to waste it, so my laser is Whooshka 2.0.
5. If you could add any ingredient to DBSC's world’s best toasties – what would it be?
Nothing. Its perfect.
6. What are your second/third favourite hobbies (assuming sailing is #1)?
I love to ski and have been doing it most years since I was 4 growing up in Europe. Recently, I have been getting into outdoor rock climbing with some sailing mates. Good fun while we were stuck locally and I want to keep it up after lock down.
7. Describe what you do for work in less than five words?
Contender Sailcloth, Websites, Computer Programming.
8. What is the first international destination you will travel to (once we're allowed) and why?
I want to go to Lake Garda in Italy to sail and go around Europe competing in all the events. I am from the Netherlands and also want to return there to practice my Dutch and maybe learn another language too.
9. What is your favourite TV show, movie, and/or book?
I don't watch TV often, but Dunkirk was a memorable movie. I don't have a favourite book, but I like history.
10. Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know?
I have scoliosis and had to wear a back brace from 2017-2020, which is why I disappeared from the sport. Good to be back with a working spine.
