About me

Name:
Craig Satterthwaite
Position:
Watchleader
Date of Birth:
23 Sep, 1973
Height:
1.83 m
Weight:
98 kg
Born:
Auckland, New Zealand
Nationality:
New Zealand
Marital Status:
Married

Question & answer

  • When and where did you first sail?
    On the family keel boat… I was too young to remember.
  • What has been your proudest sailing moment?
    Being involved with winning the America's Cup.
  • Can you recall your scariest moment at sea?
    Southern Ocean hanging onto the boat to save myself.
  • In 3 words, summarise your role on the boat?
    Make boat faster.
  • What do you miss most when you are at sea?
    Good food.
  • How are you enjoying life in Abu Dhabi?
    It's a great place to hang out and I am glad I got to explore it.
  • Best Abu Dhabi moment?
    Quad biking in the desert.
  • What do you think visitors to Abu Dhabi can expect when the yachts come in on New Year's day?
    A warm welcome, we have seen the hospitality you can expect in Abu Dhabi, it's amazing.
  • Which leg of the race are you most excited about and why?
    The Southern Ocean leg as it is the most challenging.
  • Are there any 'home comforts' that you'll be sneaking on board?
    Nothing.
  • What's the first thing you'll do when you reach port after each leg?
    Hug my family.
  • Do you have any tips for budding young sailors who are keen to get started?
    Work hard and enjoy it.
  • What would you have done if you hadn't been a sailor?
    Carpenter.
  • How will you prepare for the race? (exercise/food/sleep)
    Be as strong and fit as I can, eat and sleep well.
  • How important is winning to you?
    It is a big factor in making me want to do this race again.
  • How will you keep morale high if you experience any difficulties. How will you keep everyone focused/entertained?
    Sail the same all the time , as hard and fast as possible.
  • What is the best piece of advice you have been given about the race i.e. 'look after the boat and it will look after you'?
    Preparation is everything.
  • What would we find under your bunk?
    Ian Walker.

Meet Craig Satterthwaite

Watch leader

New Zealand’s Craig Satterthwaite epitomises the raw sprit of the ocean sailor. Tough, rugged and highly-skilled, the 38-year-old Kiwi brings a wealth of experience to his role as Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing’s watchleader.

As part of the victorious 2007 America’s Cup Alinghi team, as well as watchleader for 2009 Sydney-Hobart race victors Alfa Romeo, Auckland-born Craig also brings to the table top-tier competitive experience.

my all time top 5 achievements

  • 2009 - Rolex Sydney-Hobart Race - Alfa Romeo - 1st
  • 2007 - America’s Cup - Alinghi - 1st
  • 2005 - Volvo Ocean Race Pirates of the Caribbean - 2nd
  • 1999 - Fastnet Race Record - RF Yachting - 1st
  • 1997 - Whitbread Round the World Race, Swedish Match - 3rd

The father-of-one, who jokes he was born on the water, is also relishing his role as mentor to the team’s UAE national duo of Adil Khalid and Butti Al Muhairi, who will make history as the first Emirati sailors to take part in the gruelling, nine-month, 39,000 nautical Volvo Ocean Race.