Sail GP CEO, Sir Russell Coutts, has revealed more about his childhood and how he developed his passion for the industry, in an interview with Gary McCormick.
The 61-year-old moved to Dunedin at a young age and attended Otago Boys High School.
He told McCormick he was fortunate enough to have a boat shed not far from the school, so he could go sailing any time he wanted to.
"Much to the dismay of my teachers, they used to look down from the classroom and see a little light sail in the middle of the harbour during school hours," Coutts said.
Sailing was always in the family, his grandmother won the ladies race in Napier and his father built his own boats.
"So then we came along and in those days the thing you did was build your own boat.
"So Dad built one in the lounge of our house, much to Mum's disgust," Coutts said.
Sailing Grand Prix was founded by Larry Ellison, founder of Oracle, and Coutts.
Their aim was to establish a commercially viable global race series with a large audience.
The inaugural competition was in 2019, and it has grown since then.
Season three has 11 events and they hope to grow that to 12 in season four.
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix penultimate event of Season 3 takes place in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, on the 18th - 19th of March.
More information on the Sail GP Website.
Listen to the interview between Sir Russell Coutts and Gary McCormick above.
