Please select your home edition
Edition
Trofeo Princesa Sofía Mallorca 2025
Product Feature
Allen Medium Aluminium Cam Cleat
Allen Medium Aluminium Cam Cleat

Interview with Mike Golding at the International Paint Poole Regatta

by Mark Jardine 28 May 2016 14:13 BST 28-30 May 2016
Mike Golding at the International Paint Poole Regatta © Mark Jardine

We caught up with Mike Golding at the International Paint Poole Regatta, where he's sailing a Diam 24, talking about the boats, the Tour de France a la Voile and increasing participation in sailing and racing through regional events.

Mark Jardine: What's brought you out on to a Diam 24 OD at the International Paint Poole Regatta?

Mike Golding: I think the Diam's a really interesting boat and it's a great fleet in France that take part in the Tour de France a la Voile - an absolutely huge event just 60 miles across the water. So it was great when I heard they were coming to the International Paints Poole Regatta with a few boats. When I was offered the opportunity to get involved and have a sail I was very keen.

Mark: The boat's a bit smaller than what you're used to. How are you finding it so far with your limited time on the water?

Mike: Very limited time, but the boat feels good. It's been very soft today so I'm not getting a great feel for it today, but we went out yesterday and the boat is quick and everything you'd expect - it sails like it looks.

Mark: Of course there's a far bigger fleet of Diam's over in France. What are your hopes for getting them over to the UK?

Mike: I think they're very good. There is a little cluster of boats now being owned in the Solent, I think there are 4 boats, Team Concise has a boat, maybe two, so it is building. You need to get to a critical mass of 6 or 7 boats, all close together geographically so they can have some racing, and then suddenly you could see it build.

Mark: They are the boat for the Tour de France a la Voile, any plans for yourself to do the Tour again?

Mike: No plans at the moment! But we'll give the boat a try and see how we get on. It's like a small, economical version of an Extreme 40, and I had two years on the Extreme Sailing Series, so it could be some very good racing.

Mark: The International Paint Poole Regatta is going from strength to strength. What are your thoughts on regional events such as this which are gaining momentum?

Mike: I think events like this are really important - sailing in the UK needs a higher profile. We have the great projects like Land Rover BAR and Ben doing great things with the America's Cup but at a local level we do need to keep the pressure on and events such as this one are exactly what is needed to get people out on the water and racing.

Mark: Best of luck for this event and your racing. I hope it all goes well.

Mike: Thank you very much - I'm looking forward to it!

pooleregatta.co.uk

Related Articles

The Proving Ground
Why the Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca by FERGUS is such an important regatta The end of an Olympic quadrennial cycle often brings sailing campaigns to an end. Some partnerships in doublehanded classes split, with helm and crew going their separate ways, while others use the time to reflect on their future. Posted on 1 Apr
The most important job in sailing
How Nick Scott is delivering radical change to competitive sailing pathways in the UK I am putting forward that falls to Nick Scott and his team. Namely to secure its competitive future by addressing challenges and delivering radical change while bringing people on that journey with him. Posted on 31 Mar
Revealing the Secrets of the 'Impossible' XR 41
An out and out race yacht, but also a sporty cruiser, thanks to its modular interior The XR 41 from X-Yachts was quite a departure from what they'd been doing for the last 15 years: concentrating on high-end Performance Racing Cruisers. This is an out and out race yacht, but it's also a sporty cruiser, thanks to its modular interior. Posted on 27 Mar
Going to publish the 'F' word – Again!
Clearly, there are lots of young sailors out there looking to add a load of fun to their sailing Now we published the first one back in June last year. It did really well, thank you. Very much appreciated. Clearly, there are lots of young sailors out there looking to add a load of fun to their sailing, and are keen to get into the foiling world. Posted on 23 Mar
RYA influences MCA's changes to regulations
Interview with Niall McLeod to see how Sport and Pleasure Code of Practice affects us The RYA have been working closely with the the government to make sure that new regulations for leisure vessels are not too restrictive. It seems that any group which operates a "coded" vessel should be thankful. Posted on 18 Mar
No more excuses
2025 is all about the club sailors, the weekend warriors, the open meeting stalwarts I was wondering if things were going to slow down in sailing after the huge events of 2024, namely the Olympics, America's Cup and Vendée Globe but, if anything, they've speeded up. Posted on 17 Mar
The oldest video footage of sailing in Ireland
A look back into our video archive, from 1926 to 1980 As we prepare for St Patrick's Day tomorrow, let us direct our exploration of the video archive towards anything Irish. We have discovered several videos from Ireland, starting as early as the 1920s! Posted on 16 Mar
Two boats. Same Direction.
You know the deal… It means there's a race on. You know the deal… It means there's a race on. So, the second South Pacific Superyacht Rendezvous is set for August 26 to 29, 2025. If it is even half as much fun and interesting as the first one, then it will bolster its burgeoning reputation. Posted on 9 Mar
The 600 Sweet Spot
The world of offshore racing is booming around the world The world of offshore racing is booming around the world. Record entries, some of the world's fastest yachts and highest profile campaigns, and a plethora of Corinthian teams have the 'classics' on their bucket list. Posted on 4 Mar
Inaugural Fast Women's Switch Training Camp
Some of the best sailors in the world gathered in Thailand The first ever Fast Women's Switch Training Camp took place at the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Thailand, attracting some of the best sailors in the world, fresh from competing in the Australia Sail Grand Prix. Posted on 4 Mar