Manx Sail Racer

For the next MSR sailor profile we speak to the current island dinghy champion and long standing manx sailor Andrew ‘Smiler’ Williams.

Name - Andrew ‘Smiler’ Williams
Age - 47
Club - Isle of Man Yacht Club
Current Boat - RS400, Laser 2000, Mirror

What was your earliest sailing memory and how did you get started in sailing?
Early memories of sailing every day of the summer holidays either borrowing school boats of in friends boats. In fact it was through Castle Rushen High School that I got into sailing –in the old days we weren’t allowed in the school during lunch times unless a member of a lunchtime club, so I joined the sailing club to keep dry!

Most memorable sailing moment?
I beat Ben Ainslie to the first mark a couple of times although I doubt he remembers it! There have been a couple of times when I have had a really good first beat and that is pretty memorable. I also recall sailing overnight to Ireland with the sea glassy calm but with enough wind to make 6 knots, that was a memorable trip.

Most disappointing racing moment?
Probably not finishing the Fastnet race in 1989 although I also remember being at a Fireball championship and sailing so badly on a misty day that when the winning boats were emerging from the mist I felt compelled to sail further away from them and into the mist to hide, not wanting to be recognised. Capsizing during a gybe whilst in 5th place at a very windy RS 400 nationals race at Mounts Bay was also a gutting moment

Favorite on board race day snack?
Soreen malt loaf (but it must be kept dry) Jaffa cakes make a decent alternative.

What’s your number one essential item you need with you on the water?
A crew (Tom) who is so fit and healthy he compensates for having a chubby, semi senile driver at the back of the boat! I also need a black mainsheet!

Oldest piece of sailing kit?
In my garage there is a Henri Lloyd jacket I got 2nd hand in 1982, although most of my kit is at least 10 years old.

Newest piece of sailing kit?
My #1 son Owen who made his competitive debut crewing in the Laser 2000 at the Laxey Regatta this year. I did get a thermal rash vest which is very effective at keeping me warm.

What boats have you sailed over the time and which would you say is your favorite?
There have been all sorts of dinghies I have been involved with –Firefly, National 18’s, Laser (there have been about 10) Fireball, 505 (5), Enterprise (for the pond), Contender, B14, RS400, and these days a child friendly Laser 2000 and a mirror! The RS 400 is hard to beat but a good 505 is also a pleasure to sail.

What would you say is your best or hardest fought for result?
I think all results are hard fought, I remember years ago trying hard in a laser and getting a 3rd place which was my first taste of local achievement, and served as inspiration to improve.

Do you prefer sailing Dinghies or Cruisers?
With the time constraints of today definitely dinghies but there is a lot of satisfaction from getting a big crew to work together on a cruiser.

What would be your dream boat to have a sail of?
Skiff 18 or similar

What are your future sailing plans, any new boats or challenges on the horizon?
It would be nice to do another National Championship at some time.