| Name | Ben Beasley |
| Age | 19 |
| Relationship to Co – Skipper | Friends. Met through the Youth Training Programme at the Squadron. |
| Yacht Club | RNZYS |
| Tell us a little about your sailing history/ background | I’m owner and co-skipper of Moving Violation, the smallest boat in the RNI fleet. I began sailing at age 9 and moved through the youth classes, competing in national and international regattas. I also crewed on keelboats competing in harbour races and regattas including two Farr 1020 nationals and four Coastal Classics before purchasing Moving Violation in early 2018. I have since raced in the RNZYS winter series, Gold Cup, Solo series, Commodore’s cup, Route 66, SSANZ Triple Series, ANZAC 250 long haul division and this year’s Coastal Classic which we competed two-handed. |
| What appeals most about doing the RNI | The challenge of competing in one of the toughest races in New Zealand in the smallest boat in the fleet. |
| What will your meals be like during the race? | Deluxe roasts dropped by Uber helicopter. |
| What’s your favourite point of sail and why? | Upwind in the breeze because the hull is quite beamy. |
| Describe your skipper/co-skipper in 5 words | Good company and super reliable! |
| Tell us about the training and buildup that you have been doing for this race both on and off the water? | Most weekends have been taken up with boat prep and if not that then getting out on the water building up miles. Our qualifier was the Anzac 250 and we’ve also done a sail to Tauranga around Barrier and back which was 200-ish miles plus the recent Coastal Classic. |
| Will you be taking any luxury items on the race? – If so, what is it and why? | Deodorant otherwise Wellington might be in for a surprise … |
| What’s your biggest fear when you think about the RNI? | Storm conditions. |
| Tell us about your biggest supporters | Mum & Dad, Evolution Sails and hoping to get more sponsorship. |
| It’s the night before the big race – how do you get your head in the game? | Long shower, early night and be prepared for the weather conditions on the day. |
