The Essence of Sailing

With wins in the Volvo Ocean Race and Barcelona World Race, as well as seven full trips around the globe, Damian Foxall (IRL) is one of the world’s most accomplished offshore sailors. In an interview on 48North.com, Damian comments on instilling the love of sailing into his children…

I grew up adventure sailing: kayaking, windsurfing, and sailing. That is the essence of sailing. Sailors were explorers, they were adventurers. Commerce created the racing environment. That’s been brought home to me recently because of my kids, who are 4 and 7 years old. You know, I could drive into the city and buy a boat, and put them in sailing classes, and we will do that a little bit.

On the other hand, where we live now, we have one of the largest national parks in Quebec out the back door, and there are lakes as far as the eye can see. And what I really want to do with the kids is buy a Wayfarer or a Hobie 16, and throw a tent on it, and a couple of sleeping bags, and a stove, and get out there.

That’s the way I grew up, and for me, that’s the essence of sailing.

Complete interview