60 Seconds with Rod Barnes
Kirk Marcolina
With the US elections finally behind us (hopefully), we thought it would be appropriate to spend some time with a relative of George Washington, our very own Rod Barnes…
1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat?
I would have been six or seven. I grew up near Georges River SC and sailed there for most of my youth. I started in Sabots then progressed to Flying Ants and Cherubs. All my siblings sailed and my father built all our boats which was fantastic. Sailed against Luke Parker and the Faddy Brothers who are great Laser sailors.
2. If money (& sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy?
I like the idea of sailing a Lagoon 65 Catamaran around the Mediterranean. In the off season of course.
3. What is your sailing goal?
I love the sound of the warning signal. It means I’m out there competing and it’s game on. I’ve really enjoyed going to a couple of World Master’s events so my goal would be to compete at as a many as possible and hopefully improve.
4. Tell us the back story to your laser's name “Barnstormer”?
Just a play on my last name. I had another boat called Hotrod when I was young.
5. If you could add any ingredient to our already world’s best toasties – what would it be?
A touch more salt. I’m cramping up more as I get older.
6. What are your second/ third favourite hobbies (obviously assuming sailing holds the #1 spot)
Anything with water. Fishing, windsurfing, surfing. Other than that, golf and snowboarding.
7. Describe what you do for work in less than 5 words?
Run a commercial construction company.
8. What’s the first international flight you are going to book post Covid-19? And why?
Barcelona, Sept 2021. Laser Master Worlds. I haven’t been to Barcelona yet and that sounds like a good reason to go.
9. What’s your favourite TV show, movie, and or book?
Seinfeld again. Captain Fantastic. Tim Winton’s book, Breath.
10. Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know?
I’m related to George Washington.
