Richard Mason – 49er Helmsman

Richard Mason started sailing when he was only 4 years old. At an early age, Mason enjoyed competing whilst he campaigned his Optimist around the junior circuit.

Team GBR recognized his talent at the young age of 13 when they invited him to join their youth squad. With the support of the Royal Yachting Association and Team GBR Mason stepped up to the next level into a 420 campaign at the age of 16. He finished 2nd in the Europeans in Lake Garda, 2004 and 5th at the Worlds in Gran Canaria, 2005.

At the end of 2006, Mason was committed towards an Olympic medal at some stage in the future; which meant he needed to change his boat to an Olympic class. Mason chose the 49er, but didn’t have the budget to take his dream and campaign any further.

After chasing several sponsors with dogged determination, Team Murka committed to a new boat as well as logistical and financial support to train and compete on a global level.

However the sailing commitment had to be moderated in Masons final year of academic study. Mason will finish his degree in Industrial Design and technology in June 2009, at which point Mason is 100% dedicated to 49er sailing, and a medal winning performance in 2016.

When asked if the Olympic Medal could come a bit earlier by 2012, Mason very diplomatically explains, We definitely would like to be chosen for the team. That must be clear.

However, the sailors from Qingdao may return for a chance at a medal for their home games and we are not in position right now anyway to be even close to their level of competition. But let’s see. Anything can happen in 4 years! 2016 is the goal. We have built our campaign around 2016.

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