Interview with Archie Massey ahead of the 2015 International 14 Worlds

Archie Massey and Tom Trevelyan I14 sailing on Lake Garda © Elena Giolai

The International 14 World Championships kicks off in Geelong, Australia on 4th January. Over the next two weeks, we'll be interviewing some of the strongest prospects in the British team. We kick off with a conversation between reigning World Champion Archie Massey and Tom Trevelyan, an ex-14 sailor and current Vice Commodore of Itchenor Sailing Club, the spiritual home of 14s. For more information on the 14 worlds, visit www.i14worlds.2015.com

Tom Trevelyan: So Archie, you won the 2014 International 14 World Championship for a record 4th time in a row, with Andy Fitzgerald 3rd, and your old adversary and friend Douglas Pattison in 4th. When I joined the 14 fleet in 1974 Itchenor ruled the roost, and it is so good to see us back at the top. And personally I was delighted to think of you all at The Royal Canadian Yacht Club, which is one of the truly great yacht clubs of the world and a splendid setting for the 14s. My first Team Racing was there in 1977 and I still have the trophy picture produced for the event by Rothmans Pall Mall. So my first question is, what are you aiming for next?

Archie Massey: Well, I could hardly miss the next 14 Worlds at Geelong on Port Philip Bay in Australia, could I? I'll be sailing with a new crew, Harvey Hillary, and I can't wait. But also, deep in my heart I have a longing to try something a bit different and do the Archipelago Raid which is an extreme sailing and very mad event in F18 catamarans involving 150 mile legs amongst the islands, from Sweden to Finland and back.

TT: At what age did you start sailing? I remember you as a JF teenager and your dad Bob pushing you off from the slipway. But how did it start?

AM: I started at about 5, going out with Dad in his Swallow. He was my guide and teacher and my inspiration. He taught me how to race.

TT: What is your first memory of being competitive?

AM: Sailing Mirrors at Itchenor with my brother Harry, aged about 9 and 11. We were leading the series on the last day and only needed a clean race to win. But we hit the final mark and were protested out. The next year we made sure we won. Douglas Pattison (14 Prince of Wales Cup winner and European champion) was my rival and nemesis every year at Itchenor Junior Fortnight and we drove each other on.

TT: What classes have you raced at Itchenor?

AM: All of them. Mirrors, Fireflies, 420s and keelboats whenever I have been asked.

TT: And elsewhere?

AM: My other big love is the 18ft Skiffs in Sydney Harbour. I had 5 wonderful years sailing those most extreme and demanding of dinghies, going 25 knots flat out with ferries, cruisers and other 18 footers always in your way. On one famous occasion, we were overtaking the Manly Ferry because that was the only way and, gybing on his bow, managed to dump it in exactly the wrong place. He missed us, but only just. Lots of honking and letters from the Harbour Master followed. It wasn't unlike sailing 14s in Chichester Harbour really...

TT: Who has been your sailing inspiration or mentor?

AM: I have always followed Ian Walker. He was at the same university as me, won the BUSA team-racing and then became International 14 World Champion, so up to that point our sailing achievements were similar! Since then I have lived vicariously through his sailing career, imagining what might have happened if I'd pursued sailing full-time. I like to think there are two types of sailors, the naturally talented ones and those – often with an engineering background - who try to get a deeper understanding of what is fast. I definitely see myself in the latter category and hence have always preferred to race in light to medium strength winds. However, my Worlds-winning crew Dan Wilsdon has been a good counter to that preference.

TT: What is your one piece of advice for anyone who aspires to follow you?

AM: Sail with friends and enjoy yourself.

www.i14worlds2015.com