A professional boat builder by trade, Mark has worked in the marine industry and campaigned boats all his adult life. Mark’s Olympic team mate in Sydney 2000 was Ian Walker (skipper of Green Dragon), together they won silver in the Star class. Mark spent two years in Auckland with GBR Challenge sailing in the America’s Cup 2003-2004. His only experience with Volvo is his uncles blue one, he says ‘the lights stay on all day.’

His worst sailing experience was having the forestay pull out of the bow and the mast fall down 100 metres from the upwind finish of the no discard, 120 boat fleet, International Dragon Gold Cup and losing the championship. While his best moment was sailing from 12th at the last mark to finish 2nd at the penultimate race of the 2000 Sydney Olympics to guarantee a medal. It was very windy and Ian Walker and I sailed the Star Boat by the lee down inside the whole fleet in one with no gybe.

Marks hobbies include badly playing the harmonica, DJ-ing in his bedroom as well as moutain biking, snowboarding and sailing with the family. His favourite food is steak and a glass of red wine.