Alex Bainbridge sailing CV
Alex started sailing at an early age, coming from a racing family background. This was mainly in toppers and lasers - sailing on the UK south coast at the Spinnaker Club (Ringwood) and junior events at Lymington.
Early years
As a member of the 1991 Laser u19 British Youth Squad, he sailed the Laser circuit, finishing 5th youth at the National championships.
In the same year he crewed for his father winning the Round the Island race overall (Isle of Wight) - the Gold Roman Bowl.
This period also included crewing for Steve Tylecote at the UK National match racing championships, held in First Class 8s, coming in 4th overall.
University years - 1992 to 1995
Having spent so much time sailing during school years (including school team racing events, including being a member of a team that came 2nd in the 1990 school team racing national championships), Alex took time off sailing and focussed on academic study at university. This wasn’t to last long and he ended up as “President” of the sports union in his 3rd year, dedicating himself to assisting the 40 university sports clubs organise their affairs rather than his degree.
He teamed up with his father again in 1994 to, in a J35, finish 1st on the water for the double handed round the Island race. (Isle of Wight)
Adventure travel
It started in 1993 when Alex set off on a cycling trip from John O’Groats to Lands end (1100 miles across the UK) - read the full story…
This whetted his appetite for more…and so post university graduation, in 1995, he helped organise a 4 month land trip from the UK to Kathmandu - via Europe, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Syria, Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India & finally Nepal. Alex managed the food budget - which as 22 people were on the trip required 66 meals per day to be co-ordinated - read the full story…
First short handed offshore races
1996 - 2 handed Triangle race - 600 miles from Torquay to Crosshaven, Treguier then Torquay - J35
1997 - 2 handed Brixham to Santander- 500 miles
More recently
2002 - 1st overall in the Norfolk 3 rivers race crewing a Norfolk Punt - the longest non-stop UK dinghy race. Over the 50 mile course you have to take your mast down 4 times - and paddle under bridges etc. Its a tough race as the river is only 10m wide in places - so beating up these streams in a trapeze boat can be interesting.
2002 - 3rd overall - Round the Island Race (Isle of Wight) - and won first family prize - sailing with his father, mother and brother in a J42
2003 - 1st in class - Round the Island Race (Isle of Wight) - J42
2003 - Red Sea approaches - 2100 mile double handed yacht delivery involving pirates, storms and covert fuel drops (26 days at sea) - read the full story…
2003 - First transatlantic - ARC Canaries to St. Lucia - 3000 miles - 2nd in class, 4th overall (17 days at sea) - J42
2006 - 1st and mini transat course record (!) - UK Mini Fastnet (Plymouth to Fastnet to Plymouth) - read the full story…
Other stuff
Alex has held a Yachtmaster qualification (commercially endorsed) since 1997. This includes in date ISAF Offshore safety, RYA 1st aid at sea and RYA Sea Survival. Radio certificates include VHF and long range radio certificate.
