The Blue Climate and Oceans Project

Q1. How does your sport connect you to the natural environment and how does that environment continually motivate and inspire you?

A1. The fact that I am going to sail all around the world, powered by natural energy (the wind|), is amazing. As I am racing, it is important to harness the optimum power of the wind, so I spend a lot of time studying the weather, which is a totally natural phenomenon, that can create amazing storms, iceburgs, tidal currents etc. I see the weather as the 'heart beat' of our planet Earth.

Q2. What has your sport, and experiences through it, taught you about your natural environment?

A2. I am lucky to be able to go to places where not many people have been and to see amazing sights, such as Killer Whales feeding in the Southern Ocean, or simply a beautiful sunset in the middle of the ocean, with no one else in sight. That when I realised how big our planet is and how much of our planet is untouched by humans, and also that we are lucky that it is not too late to do something to preserve this.

Q3. A healthy environment is necessary for healthy sports. Through participating in your sport, have you encountered anything that has truly shocked you about the impact human activity is having on the natural environment?

A3. Last year, I raced back from Brazil to France, and as I approached the French coast, I started seeing loads of fridges floating in the water. This was the result of a storm that had reaked havoc and several cargo ships had lost their loads. It was sad to see. There was nothing I could do, but I tried not to hit any because that could have done serious damage to my boat!

Q4. If you could motivate people (on a local, national, or international level) on one particular environmental issue, what would it be?

A4. Waste. We waste too much. Especially water – like leaving the tap running when you wash your hands.... Also, waste paper, fuel (all the cars engines running when they are stopped at traffic lights), leaving lights on unnecessarily in the house..... I am particularly aware of this, because when I sail around the world non-stop, I have to be self-sufficient, but also as light as possible, so I don't take extra fuel or water. Everything is measured and my waste is very little. Imagine living at home with only 3 litres of fresh water per day! That seems impossible, but that is all I need when I am on my boat! (and yes, I do wash!!!)

Q5. What have you changed in your day to day living behaviour and choices, including how you go-about your sport, that makes a positive difference?

A5. Because of the above "waste" issue on board, I am now more aware at home and I am trying to be a good example!

On board Roxy, I now have rechargeable batteries for my torches etc. I recycle what I can of my rubbish (like water bottles, Aluminium cans etc). I use biodegradable babywipes, and our team try to use as many "green" products as possible.

Q6. Why did you get involved with The BLUE® Oceans and Climate Project?

A6. Because I want to make the most of my project to try and pass on this essential message to try to save our beautiful planet and its oceans.

Q7. What one piece of advice would you offer to get people, specifically young people, thinking proactively about a BLUE future? And what actions could they take to achieve that?

A7. That even small actions can make a difference. Tell your friends what you do to help, and try to get them to do something. Take a look at the photos I send back from in the middle of the ocean – see if you think, like me, that its COOL, and if you want it to stay unchanged....

MY BLUE Q&A

Introduction