5 Minutes in the Bar

Bob Alexander initiated "5 minutes at the bar" in 2019 to find out what brings people to our fleet, what makes them tick, and what are their likes and dislikes – the fleet’s answer to Desert Island Discs if you will. We are re-launching this initiative as a great way for members new and old to get to know each other better. Bob will still be out with his pen but we also want to start a chain reaction – with interviewees becoming interviewers so that we can collect stories and pictures of the whole fleet as quickly as possible. Bob has provided the following guidance to help in conducting interviews:

The questions asked in the past provide an excellent start point but feel free to modify
The interviews generally do not take part at the bar, distributing questions by email is easier
Questions should be linked to sailing and the Club. Avoid personal questions about family, politics or religion, or any other contentious issues
You’ll need to get a picture of your subject (ideally at the bar)
Be careful not to included anything that may embarrass or offend at any time in the future

February 18, 2025

5 minutes in the bar... with Frances Wilkins

Frances (with David) switched to sailing Flying Fifteens a couple of years ago. She always seems to have a smile on her face, which can be a very effective mask for her steely determination on the water. One thing she doesn't mention below is that she's an avid follower of the fleet on Facebook - almost invariably the first one to react when a new race report is posted. Read on to see what secrets she has to share...

February 17, 2025

5 minutes in the bar... with Paul Tasker

Paul has been a regular Flying Fifteen crew (mainly for Mike Clapp) for a few years - seemingly using this an an escape from sailing his ILCA! From his responses below it is clear that he has a more diverse 'boat' experience than anyone else I am aware of. Perhaps this'll be useful if he and Mike end up diving into the back of a big wave one day. Read on to find out what I am talking about...

February 17, 2025

5 minutes in the bar... with Kim Linder

Kim (with Ian) has been coming to Poole Week for aeons and joined the Flying Fifteen fleet fully a few years ago after getting into the Poole property market. She obviously knows what she's doing as their boat goes annoyingly fast and they have been notching up series wins. Kim is also a force of nature when it come organising the slipway both for launching and recovery, whether it's for club races or regional championships. Hopefully she'll sort out Ian's work-life balance soon and they'll be racing Wednesdays as well. Read on to learn a little bit more about Kim...

February 09, 2025

5 minutes in the bar... with Andrew Clark

Andrew is the second of the Fireball gang to divulge his secrets in 5 mins. Perhaps we also need some inside intel on how the syndicate decides who sits where on each boat, when. One of the many ex-teamracers in the fleet, what Andrew doesn't mention is that he also races a Shrimper which seems together with his Fireball duties last year, seemed to result in him having the highest number of entries on Dutyman. See what other surprises he has shared below...

February 09, 2025

5 minutes in the bar... with Graham Davies

Graham is one of those people you can ask about the SI's, rules or what's happening on the Sailing Committee and you know you'll get an accurate answer. He's no slouch on the water either, placing well remarkably often. Read on to learn more about Graham...

February 09, 2025

5 minutes in the bar... with Lisa Randle

Lisa has been a key catalyst for the fleet's popularity and growth over the years, having been social secretary for 4 years and supported Steve as fleet captain for another 5. When she's not sailing with Steve, she is regularly seen on the platform as part of the race management team. Lisa does not see herself primarily as a sailor - a view which is rather frustrating when she and Steve whizz past on a 3 sail reach. Learn more about Lisa below...