Dinghies first step to Cup place for Meacham

By JULIE ASH

Moving from South Africa to New Zealand when he was hardly a year old, Richard Meacham followed his father, Malcolm, into sailing.

"My dad sailed competitively in the dinghies," he said.

From the age of eight, Meacham did most of his dinghy sailing at Murray's Bay.

He then ventured into sailmaking, where his position at North Sails led him to jobs on the local MRX and fleet scene.

Before long he was competing on the international circuit throughout Europe and the United States.

At the 1997 Admiral's Cup, Meacham's crewmates on Georgia Express were Dean Barker, James Dagg and Jared Henderson, all now in Team New Zealand.

Those connections led to an invitation to join Team New Zealand before the 2000 defence.

Meacham is one of the team's bowmen and is responsible for helping with the sails and directing the helmsman in the pre-start and during the race.

"You have to be athletic and good on your feet. Fitness is important but you also need to have good head."

Meacham said he enjoyed being part of Team New Zealand "immensely."

"I would like to do a Volvo Ocean Race at some stage, but now the America's Cup is my priority."

Richard Meacham - bowman

Age: 26

Place of birth: South Africa

Nickname: Dick


Career highlights:

2000: Team New Zealand

2000: Sydney Hobart, Mari Cha III; Telstra Cup, Shockwave; Kenwood Cup, Big Apple; Hamilton Island Race Week.

1999: Tour de France a Voile and transatlantic record, Mari Cha III

1997: Admiral's Cup, Georgia Express

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