60 seconds with... Nicholas Pellow

1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat?

About 7 years old. I was for'ard hand on a Sabot for a season at the local sailing club. I can still clearly remember tipping after a gybe on the bottom mark during a big Nor Easter; somehow getting trapped underneath the sail and nearly drowning because my life jacket was preventing me from diving deep enough to swim free. On my third and final attempt, I just made it out.

Hooked for life.

2. If money (& sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy?

Definitely a SailGP F50

3. What is your sailing goal?

Don’t get trapped under my own sail!

4. Tell us the back story to your laser's name?

Iolani was the name of the Hawaiian Royal Palace. The name came with the boat!

5. If you could add any ingredient to our already world’s best toasties – what would it be?
A sprinkle of chili flakes 🌶🌶🌶

6. What are your second/ third favourite hobbies (obviously assuming sailing holds the #1 spot)

Ocean swimming, jogging, “Zwifting” aka virtual online bike racing since the start of lock-in

7. Describe what you do for work in less than 5 words?

Nerd herder

8. What’s the first international flight you are going to book post Covid-19? And why?

Sydney to Cork. My wife’s parents live about 3 minutes from the Royal Cork Yacht Club - the oldest sailing club in the world. Founded in 1720, it celebrates its 300 year anniversary this year.

Imagine what the DBSC might be like 236 years from now ?

9. What’s your favourite TV show, movie, and or book?

Favourite movie is 2040. Awesome blend of science, technology, sociology, humanity and the future of the planet.

10. Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know?

When we were kids, dad bought a yellow trailer sailer (see below) without knowing how to sail himself, nor could he start the 4 horsepower Evenrude outboard when we really needed it. Nothing teaches you to sail faster than necessity! This is also why he signed us up to crew at the local sailing club - I bet :)

Photos: Sabot club championship trophy, First flying ant, sailing (and swimming) around Myall Lakes