Sailor Profile - Ali Hinds
MSR speaks to one of the islands top youth sailors Ali Hinds as she takes on the very first MSR sailor profile questions!
Name - Ali Hinds
Age - 16
Club - Isle of Man Yacht Club
Current Boat - Laser Radial
What was your earliest sailing memory and how did you get started in sailing?
My first memory was capsizing an Oppie in Port St Mary when I was about 8! I’d just started learning to sail, and I thought capsizing was great fun!
Most memorable sailing moment?
Laser trials last year in Port St Mary - it was windy with huge waves. I didn’t do well racing-wise, but going downwind with those waves was brilliant!
Most disappointing racing moment?
I can’t think of one particular time, but it’s always frustrating when you’ve been doing well and make a total mess of the last leg. It always seems to be a really stupid mistake, which makes it even more disappointing!
Favorite on board race day snack?
Mars Bars!
What’s your number one essential item you need with you on the water?
My watch
Oldest piece of sailing kit?
Rash vest
Newest piece of sailing kit?
Spray top, but I’m about to order a new mainsheet.
What boats have you sailed over the time and which would you say is your favorite?
I haven’t sailed many different boats! I sailed an RS400 once, and that was great fun.
What would you say is your best or hardest fought for result?
Dinghy champs in Port St Mary a few years ago when the 2nd day was really windy.
Do you prefer sailing Dinghies or Cruisers?
Dinghies, they’re far more exciting! But I’ve had very little experience of cruisers so far.
What would be your dream boat to have a sail of?
The America’s cup boats are awesome, I’d love to just step foot on one of those! As for dinghies, I’d love to have a go on a Moth just to see if I could make it fly for a few seconds!
What are your future sailing plans, any new boats or challenges on the horizon?
The Island Games are in July, so I’ll be focussing on sailing my Laser as much as possible! I doubt I’ll be changing boat in the near future, I like the competitiveness of the Laser, but I hope to do some cruiser sailing this year as well
