Matt Aldous-Horne - VR Gul Race Team Biography

Class of Boat: Laser Standard

Helm/Crew: Helm

Nickname (and why?): None, yet!

Why did you start sailing and where?: I was out cycling with my parents in Suffolk for my birthday when we visited a sailing event in which a friend was sailing. He asked me if I wanted to sail to the other side of the river in his Mirror. I said yes, and everything spiralled from there, ending up in Hungary for the world championships the next year. All happening before I reached ten - the rest is history.

Favourite UK or International sailing venue?: UK: Hayling Island , wind waves and tide then Belgium Nieuwpoort wind bigger waves and more tide There’s a bit of theme here?

Best sailing achievement so far?: At the 2012 European Youth Radial Champs in Belgium finishing 33^rd in the Silver Fleet and the 10^th U17 overall, and topping it all off  by my Dad buying me a large beer at end of the Regatta!

What's your next sailing goal?: To qualify for the European Laser Standards and get my Dad to buy me two beers (well it is a bigger boat)

First sailing coach/mentor?: Yiorgos Palierakis (my first helm’s dad) and he gave me four very important bits of advice: Finish all the races....Never rely on a discard....Always have a boat that can make it to the finish line....Drink plenty of water!

ISAF Rules - Most influential racing rule and why?: Rule 69 as it is a means to punish those who deliberately cheat while sailing, act inappropriately and bring the sport into disrepute.

Funniest time on the water and where?: Watching a friend death rolling his Topper every time he bore away, I think he did it four times? But it was only nine knots so quite embarrassing for that sailor.

Favourite VR Race Team kit and why?: Gul Code Zero Long Johns Top and Shorts, good mobility, hard wearing and really keeps you toasty on the water!

Top 3 Most Played iTunes tracks?: Troublemaker- Akon....Green Light- Roll Deep....No Love- Eminem and Lil’ Wayne

Favourite energy food – Haribo/Chocolate/Bacon Sarnie/Banana/Other?: Bacon sarnie with generous lashings of ketchup, two if I’m hungry!

Favourite sailing drink – Hot chocolate/Lucozade/Seawater/Mug of Tea/Other?: Tesco value orange squash.

What do you get up to when you aren’t out on the water?: Swimming…swimming and a bit more swimming! Music, videos and sadly AS Studies..

Highlight of the 2012 season?: Coming 2nd and 4th in the Radial Races at the RYA Youths in Pwhelli. Qualifying by right for the Europeans.

 What are you most looking forward to in 2013?: The Spring Qualifiers and RYA Youths in Largs.