Two-time Australia female sailor of the year Nina Curtis blasted onto the SailGP circuit in Season 2 thanks to the Women’s Pathway Program and has quickly made her mark. She made history as the first female athlete to win a SailGP event in Cadiz before helping the Aussies on the way to victory in the Season 2 Grand Final in San Francisco. We catch up with Nina ahead of the Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Plymouth to talk career highlights and why she enjoys beating Jimmy Spithill’s U.S. team.
Q: What is your first sailing memory? OR How did you first get into sailing?
A: Sailing with my mum and dad trapezing on a Hobie 16.
Q: What is your career highlight so far?
A: Winning a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games was pretty special.
Q: Who is your sailing icon and why?
A: Abby Ehler, I was lucky enough to sail with her in the Volvo Ocean Race and she an absolute rock solid member of any team. I always looked up to her as a younger sailor in keelboat racing.
Q: Tell us about your scariest sailing moment?
A: The southern ocean leg as my first leg in the Volvo Ocean Race was up there! I was really nervous.
Q: What is your favourite SailGP race location and why?
A: I would have to say Sydney, great wind, great backdrop and great locals cheering you on!
Q: What is your top ambition for Season 3?
A: Three wins in a row season wins for the Aussie team!
Q: Best SailGP moment so far?
A: Winning Season 2 with the Aussie team in San Fransisco. Being the first female to ever win a SailGP event in Cadiz was very special too!
Q: What team would you most like to beat and why?
A: Jimmy Spithill has been a pretty big inspiration to me when I was growing up especially for the fact that we grew up in the same area. It’s always a good day when you get a win against an Aussie sailing legend!
Q: What would you be doing if you weren’t a professional sailor?
A: Probably what I do in my other life: I run a fitness and health studio at home and also have a magnesium supplement business.
Q: What is your favourite thing about SailGP?
A: The speed! The foiling! The camaraderie of the teams! Being able to race at those speeds whilst being on the edge of control!
