| Name | Phil Gurnsey |
| Age | 51 |
| Relationship to Co – Skipper | Ive watched him sleep |
| Have you done an RNI before? | RNI2017 on the The Guarantee |
| Yacht Club | Royal Port Nicholson Yacht Club |
| Tell us a little about your sailing history/ background | I started sailing in P Class at Stewart’s Gully on the Waimakariri River, sailing at school and progressed to 470s, doing nationals. I first sailed on keel boats in Christchurch on Party Time with my mate Pagie! I have owned a Phoenix, a 470, a Zephyr and a Sunburst competing in Nationals. I met my sailing buddy Herdie and sailed with him in Splash Palace including many offshores and regattas. I’m currently a weekend warrior and sail on Whistler III a Young 88, mostly on the bow. I have done a couple of Coastal Classics, Wellington to Nelson races and races to Wellington to Akaroa/Lyttleton. And then RNI 2017 on the Guarantee. I’ve lost a mast, hit the rocks and spewed over the side. |
| What appeals most about doing the RNI | I cant remember the last one. |
| What are your essential food items during the race? | Go Native Butter Chicken. |
| What will your meals be like during the race? | Butter chicken. I had butter chicken for every meal last RNI and am keen to see if I can do it again. |
| What’s your favourite point of sail and why? | Any point of sailing that doesn’t involve being parked off Raglan like the last RNI. |
| What do you like most about the boat you are sailing on? | It’s well set up. It all works because Herdie puts so much effort into safety. |
| Tell us about the training and buildup that you have been doing for this race both on and off the water? | Engine replacement, safety checks, gear checks, mast overhaul, new sails, man over board drill, running the sea anchor, practicing gybes, sailing the Coastal Classic. |
| What’s your favourite drink and why? | Rum, just because it is. |
| Will you be taking any luxury items on the race? – If so, what is it and why? | Baby wipes because it keep me smelling like a baby. |
| What’s your biggest fear when you think about the RNI? | Parking up. |
| Tell us about your biggest supporters | My wife Sarah and Geoff’s partner Deb will be following us around the Island. |
| What’s most exciting/challenging about this race for you? | Dealing with the sleep deprivation, but I’ve had good practice with 6 kids. |
