Interview with Mike Golding at the International Paint Poole Regatta

Mike Golding at the International Paint Poole Regatta © Mark Jardine

Mike Golding at the International Paint Poole Regatta © Mark Jardine

Mike Golding at the International Paint Poole Regatta © Mark Jardine

We caught up with Mike Golding at the International Paint Poole Regatta, where he's sailing a Diam 24, talking about the boats, the Tour de France a la Voile and increasing participation in sailing and racing through regional events.

Mark Jardine: What's brought you out on to a Diam 24 OD at the International Paint Poole Regatta?

Mike Golding: I think the Diam's a really interesting boat and it's a great fleet in France that take part in the Tour de France a la Voile - an absolutely huge event just 60 miles across the water. So it was great when I heard they were coming to the International Paints Poole Regatta with a few boats. When I was offered the opportunity to get involved and have a sail I was very keen.

Mark: The boat's a bit smaller than what you're used to. How are you finding it so far with your limited time on the water?

Mike: Very limited time, but the boat feels good. It's been very soft today so I'm not getting a great feel for it today, but we went out yesterday and the boat is quick and everything you'd expect - it sails like it looks.

Mark: Of course there's a far bigger fleet of Diam's over in France. What are your hopes for getting them over to the UK?

Mike: I think they're very good. There is a little cluster of boats now being owned in the Solent, I think there are 4 boats, Team Concise has a boat, maybe two, so it is building. You need to get to a critical mass of 6 or 7 boats, all close together geographically so they can have some racing, and then suddenly you could see it build.

Mark: They are the boat for the Tour de France a la Voile, any plans for yourself to do the Tour again?

Mike: No plans at the moment! But we'll give the boat a try and see how we get on. It's like a small, economical version of an Extreme 40, and I had two years on the Extreme Sailing Series, so it could be some very good racing.

Mark: The International Paint Poole Regatta is going from strength to strength. What are your thoughts on regional events such as this which are gaining momentum?

Mike: I think events like this are really important - sailing in the UK needs a higher profile. We have the great projects like Land Rover BAR and Ben doing great things with the America's Cup but at a local level we do need to keep the pressure on and events such as this one are exactly what is needed to get people out on the water and racing.

Mark: Best of luck for this event and your racing. I hope it all goes well.

Mike: Thank you very much - I'm looking forward to it!

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Mike Golding at the International Paint Poole Regatta - photo © Mark Jardine