Interview with Hamish Pepper

by Harken/McLube on 9 May 2007 Kiwi Speed Team sailor Hamish Pepper has rocketed to fame in the Star class— Becoming Star World Champion in his rookie year, followed by wins in the North American’s and Barcardi Cup. Today, he holds the top spot in the 2007 ISAF World Rankings. Hamish says he like the challenge of a tactical race as it can make or break a regatta. Exactly the conditions he'll find at the 2008 Olympics in Qingdao.

Hamish Pepper wins Star Worlds, North American's and Bacardi Cup.

Photo: J.H. Peterson

Harken/McLube: How did you learn the racing game?

Hamish Pepper: Through my father and many years of making mistakes. it is important to self analyze one's performance—good or bad. I often learn more from my mistakes.

Harken/McLube: You've made a fantastic transition from the Laser to the Star. What are the differences tactically?

HP: Essentially there aren't many differences. You still need to start well and point the boat in the right direction. There's more chance for speed differences in the Laser because the skipper's weight can be a factor depending on conditions.

Harken/McLube: What would you miss most on the boat if you forgot it?

HP: My Race Master compass

Harken/McLube: In the Star how do you divide skipper/crew responsibilities?

HP: Upwind it's easier for me to see what the breeze is doing so I mainly take control of decisions. My crew often helps spot the top mark, opposition and layline. Downwind, he helps me with decisions on which way to go, wind and opposition.

Harken/McLube: Your Star crews have primarily been Carl Williams and David Giles. What's the difference in their approaches?

HP: For Carl and I, this is still very new and we both have a lot to learn, so we are more wide eyed, controlled and methodical in our approach. David has four Olympic campaigns under his belt and knows exactly what can and can't be done in a Star. This makes gear selection and boat handling decisions easy.

Harken/McLube: Do you have specific rigging tricks you can share with us?

HP: I believe in the North Sails and Quantum Sails tuning guide bibles. www.northsailsod.com/class/tuning/star-tuning.html www.quantumsails.com/products/onedesign//c_tuningguides.asp?CID=5

Harken/McLube: Is the deck layout on the new Lillia Star Boat the same as on your old boat?

HP: Pretty much, just a few cleaner lead lines.

Harken/McLube: Where are your control lines led? Why?

HP: Most of the jib controls lead to Carl, while a few fine-tuning controls lead back to me. Some people like controls for everything, but at this stage, I try to keep controls as simple as possible so we can concentrate on where to go, not how fast we can get there!

Harken/McLube: Do you prefer a tactical to a boatspeed race? Are you looking forward to the shifty conditions in Qingdao?

HP: I still have some work to do on our boat speed as I feel we aren't there yet. Hopefully, with our new Lillia, we can make a jump up in speed. I enjoy the challenge of a tactical race as it can make or break a regatta.

Harken/McLube: How do you physically and mentally prepare for a race?

HP: I try to be as relaxed as possible, but I know from my partner that I'm not. Nothing too physical the day before a regatta.

Harken/McLube: How do you handle stress?

HP: I believe I handle it well, not letting the moment get to me too much.

Harken/McLube: How do you prepare the boat for racing?

HP: I wipe it down with McLube to make sure there are no scratches or bumps anywhere.

Harken/McLube: Could you give examples of creative uses of Harken fittings on boats you race?

HP: I don't have to be creative. Harken has a block or fitting for all my needs.

Harken/McLube: What is your most memorable race?

HP: Probably the last race of the Farr 40 Worlds when we picked up some weed, started going slow and then backwards. I could feel the pressure and stress mounting from everyone, including me. On the final run, we had worked our way back so far that we had to gain a few boats to win. We managed to get a few shifts and finish where we needed to for victory.

Harken/McLube: Are there key figures that have impacted your sailing?

HP: In this day and age there are a lot of successful men and women who have all had an impact. I look at individuals and teams and try and take something out of each of them. People like Russell Coutts, Brad Butterworth, Sir Peter Blake, Paul Elvstrom, Ellen MacArthur to friends and sailing colleagues have all had an impact or added inspiration in some way.

Harken/McLube: what advice would you give a sailor new to the sport?

HP: Have fun, make some great lifelong friends, and duck your head when the boom comes across.