‘”For now, my focus is helping develop a Clean Class Initiative with Sailors for the Sea. The idea it to get a class to get clean regattas, especially the majors, and have that trickle all the way down to local fleet racing (yes, the fleet series can sign up as a clean regatta as well). “
Interview with the Captain — Mike Ingham
Captain of a Thistle One-Design 17′
About Mike: Mike coached the US team to a Silver Medal in the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games, earning him the US Olympic Committee’s Order of Ikkos and US Sailing’s ‘Coach of the Year’. He races for North Sails and has won 30+ National and Continental Championships. Mike is a Racing Editor at Sailing World Magazine.
About Sailing & Green Boating
Can you share a bit about your background and how you became a sailor?
I grew up in a sailing family, raced as a kid out of Northport, Long Island. My folks sailed one design classes. That grew eventually into a career in sailing and coaching. Lots more info at www.mikeoingham.com
How did you become interested in Green Boating and/or Clean Regattas, and what’s the focus of your work in sustainability?
My family when I was a kid (in the 70s and 80s) were way into the environment. I remember planting trees on this barren island that was public land, it had long ago been stripped by loggers. Me and my sister built a recycle container system for my mom’s birthday one year, somehow she figured out where and how to recycle before there was such a thing. So I guess it is in my blood.
For now, my focus is helping develop a Clean Class Initiative with Sailors for the Sea. The idea it to get a class to get clean regattas, especially the majors, and have that trickle all the way down to local fleet racing (yes, the fleet series can sign up as a clean regatta as well). We want to promote taking the Green Boater Pledge to people associated with the class. And we want to promote any other program that might help the environment that may not quite fit under the Green Boater or Clean Regatta umbrellas. For example, an annual sail recycling drive where we collect and donate old sails for someone to turn them into bags -that sort of thing.
Who are the sailors you’ve learned from or follow?
A few mentors have really helped me along the way. I had 3 main influencers over different periods of my life:
1. Don Condit – Our Jr. Sailing head instructor. He taught the basics of sailing, he figured those that wanted to race would figure it out from there. It was genius, he just nurtured sailing and let people figure out what and how they would sail. Some became racers, other cruisers, others windsurfers, but most of us stuck with it because there was not just one path.
2. Dick Curry – Local hotshot and owned the Shore Sails loft. Took me under wing at a young age.
3. Greg Fisher – Became my training partner and ultimately dragged me into working with him at North Sails. His skill and intensity took my racing to the next level, but also introduced me to giving clinics which ultimately grew into a coaching career.
About the Boat(s)
Why did you choose to buy this boat, and what other brands did you consider?
I’m a one design grass roots class junky. I choose classes that are local, but have the opportunity to travel to bigger events.
What other boats have you previously owned?
A pile of small one design boats. I followed the trend of buying and racing what is used locally, so as life took me to a new place, I would latch on to whatever cool was happening wherever I lived.
How did you find/locate her before purchasing (and the boat’s history if you know it)?
Bought it new, but some one designs I bought used for whatever reason. Each situation was unique. With that, I am pretty sure the rest of the questions don’t really apply, but ill do my best!
What are the features you like most about this boat vs. other boats you’ve raced or cruised?
Local good competition with the option to travel to bigger events.
What is the biggest challenge you have in servicing your boat?
Wood rails! I have to sand and varnish regularly. Aaarg!
What’s the story behind the boat’s name?
No name, I typically register as “Nautalytics” to help support my buddies electronic compass company.
Do you have any notable sailing/racing resources you use (apps, websites)?
Besides the usual apps, I have collaborated with meteorologist Chelsea Carlson. She has a legit resume and has developed a lot of weather learning knowledge online. https://www.sea-tactics.com/
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