Name: Sophie Mackley
When and where did you learn to sail? I learnt to sail at about the age of 10 on the river Orwell in Suffolk, crewing in a National 12. I raced 12s into my adult life, and love going back to the East coast which is a far cry from the sea off Shoreham. Double-handers are great for learning how to sail and so much more sociable than single-handers.
What do you sail now and why? I currently sail a Merlin Rocket, a class I started sailing when I lived in Whitstable in Kent. The fleet offers really great racing and is a competitive and social class. Whilst I love helming I’m probably a better crew and am lucky to have an excellent helm to do the circuit with.
How long have you been a member at Shoreham and what do you like best about sailing here? I am a relative newbie to Shoreham having moved to the area in 2011, and I love the club for its friendly members, great sailing area and the opportunity to race against lots of wonderful Merlin Rockets.
What is your role at Shoreham SC and what made you want to do it? I am currently looking after duties at Shoreham SC a role which I volunteered for as it’s a hard one to fill and after being Commodore I was keen to keep contributing but didn’t want a committee position.
What are your sailing plans this season – whether it’s participating, helping out or organising? With the bulk of the season behind us I have raced the Merlin on the open circuit, at Salcombe Merlin week and the National Championships, and I also raced in the Sportsboat fleet at Cowes week on a modified RS21. I am helping out at the Contender and Wayfarer nations this week which is set to be a really great event.
Is there anything else you want to add? Duties are a hard one to push but I actually really enjoy them. I have met so many members who I might not have met otherwise, and whether its learning from them or sharing knowledge I rarely come off the water having had a bad day. So if you’re reluctant think about it as an opportunity rather than a chore.
