Mike is 25 years old and originally from Bangor, Northern Ireland. He started sailing at the age of 9 and quickly became passionate about dinghy/keelboat racing. He represented 2 classes at the Junior and Senior Irish Helmsman Championships.

At age 16, Mike relocated from Ireland to the UK and studied at the UKSA where he gained dinghy/windsurf qualifications followed by the Yachtmaster ticket. After working for UKSA, he joined Mike Golding’s team on board the Challenge 67. During this time, he competed in the Fastnet and ARC races and returned with the boat short-handed back to the UK.

In 2002, Mike gained sail making experience before doing the 2003 IRC Racing season onboard TeamTonic Farr52, which competed in the Admiral’s cup and Fastnet races. Most recently, Mike returned to the sailing scene in Bangor and working for QuayLeisure Marine. Mike is a keen sports person and plays football and hockey. He joins AOR I alongside Skipper ‘Lovely’, as Nipper.