60 Seconds with James Tudball

During the Coronavirus lockdown we’re running a special newsletter feature to continue to get to know our fellow DBSC members. The series kicks off with James Tudball…

1. How old were you when you first stepped on a boat? I can't remember exactly, but I do know I started sailing sabots when I was 9.

A young James hones his sailing skills.

2. If money (& sailing ability) were no limit, what boat would you buy? Does a kayak count as a boat?  Because I just purchased a red cammo kayak and I've gotta say it's the best harbour-going vessel I've ever owned.  I am fully content with this baby.  I'm so excited with my kayak that I am now running Sydney harbour kayak tours, inspired by the former PM.  Click to learn more and book online

3. What is your sailing goal? I have two. #1. To buy a competitive one design keelboat, such as an Etchell, and race that with my dad and some other sailing mates at the pointy end of the fleet.  Don't get me wrong I enjoy sailing by myself, but I do prefer sailing together with family and close buddies.  Goal #2. To one day sail a regatta on Lake Garda.  I've only been to Garda as a land-based tourist, but geez, it really is the most beautiful place I've ever seen.  It is like Mecca for sailors.

4. Tell us the back story to your laser's name? Well my laser was originally called Barnstormer, as I bought Rod Barnes' old boat.  Barnesy actually regrets selling me the boat because he now realises it's quicker than his new one.  Anyway we couldn't have 2 x Barnstormers on the water, so I renamed the boat Captain Steamhole.  This name comes from the holes I get in the crotch of my pants as a result of playing the drums.  After a long sweaty gig my band mates refer to this hole as my Steamhole.  Unfortunately, at the AGM, Sara Brooks told me that a "Steamhole" has another meaning.  In shock, I decided that I better censor my boat name.  I emailed Daryl and asked him to please rename my boat Captain Steamy.  

5. If you could add any ingredient to our already world’s best toasties – what would it be?  I know the right answer is to say "nothing at all, they're perfect just the way they are". They ARE incredible, but I reckon a little dab of Sriracha or basil pesto would elevate them to the universe’s best toasties.

6. What are your second/ third favourite hobbies (obviously assuming sailing holds the #1 spot). Sailing JUST pips my musical hobbies, particularly playing the drums. #3. Is playing Scrabble Go.  I've had a few competitive Scrabble Go tussles with Andrew Cox, Katie McHugh and Mark Crowhurst.  I am the worst out of the 4 of us. And Andrew Cox has a great ability to compare his Scrabble Go tactics to sailing and the strategies that Brett Beyer employs.  By the way everybody, download the Scrabble Go app if you haven't already done so.  It's the perfect iso activity!

7. Describe what you do for work in less than 5 words? Organise creative freelancers for events

8. What’s the first international flight you are going to book post Covid-19? And why? Well I should probably book a flight to Milan, drive to Lake Garda and tick off that bucket list item afore mentioned!

9. What’s the maximum number of toilet rolls you’ve held in your household post 01 March 2020?   I haven't bought any because I choose to bidet myself.  Honestly it's cost effective, very hygienic, good for the environment and it means I completely avoid the stress of the toilet paper crisis.  My girlfriend finds it a bit weird, but many cultures around the world agree with my logic.

10. What’s your go to Covid-19 dish?  Pizza.

11. What life skill are you committing to learning whilst in lock down? How to lose graciously when playing Scrabble Go.

12. Tell us something interesting about yourself that members of the club don’t know?  15 years ago (almost to this day) I came last in a sailing race at Mordialloc in Melbourne - where I'm from.  I was sailing a Contender at the time - a boat that I never really mastered if the facts be known.  Anyway, I came ashore incredibly frustrated and decided that I was completely and utterly over sailing.  I sold the boat the next week.  It was actually a beautiful boat built in Lake Garda (the theme of this interview!) by a legendary boat builder in Italy, called Andrea Bonezzi.  Bonezzi boats were widely known as the best Contenders, so I sold the boat very easily.  I then had 13 long years off from sailing in pretty much all capacities.  I instead focussed on university and my music and to be honest I really didn't miss the sport much at all.  Fast forward a long chapter of my life to a couple of years ago, when I was walking in Steyne Park and I saw a bunch of lasers rigging up.  I'd never sailed a laser before but I knew they were a physical boat which I liked the idea of, so I walked across to the club to suss things out.  I was greeted warmly by two members (Pete Collie and David Huber) who gave me some great info.  Within two weeks I'd bought Barnsey's boat, purchased new sailing gear and was out racing.  And as I sit here writing now, I have to say that one of the most enjoyable things I have in my life now is the Double Bay Sailing Club.  I love the competitive racing, the camaraderie and mateship, the social hangs at the club and all of the life lessons which the club and sport provides.  It seems strange now that I took 13 years off from sailing.  I certainly don't take it for granted these days.  I feel very lucky that I know how to sail and can enjoy all that it offers.

Thanks to James for taking the time to share a bit about himself. Even though he exceeded the 20 word per question rule, I think you’ll agree, learning about James’ bidet habits was worth the extra space!  We’d love it if you too could enlighten us with your responses. Please send your answers and photos to newsletter@dbsc.com.au.