From family boat to cup for Schon

By JULIE ASH

Carsten Schon's family moved from Kiel in Germany to the North Shore when he was 10.

"I grew up on the family boat we were sailing most weekends throughout the summer."

After a long career in yachting, Schon contacted Dean Barker after the last cup and asked him for a job.

"I had always been interested in joining Team New Zealand. When there were all the defections, I called Dean and Peter Evans to get a job."

And now that he is part of the team, he loves it.

His job as a trimmer means he is responsible for setting the sails to suit the wind. "Although it can get pretty wet and cold out there during the winter, most days are fairly enjoyable. It is definitely hard.

"We kick off at the gym at 6.30am, dock out around 10am, and return about 5.30pm, so we don't usually get home until about 7.30pm. The hours are long, but it is good."

CARSTEN SCHON - trimmer

Age: 40

Place of birth: Kiel, Germany.

Career highlights

2000: Farr 40 worlds, first.

1995: Admirals Cup, top ILC46 boat, Pinta.

Various: Kenwood Cups, maxi worlds, Admirals Cups, Sardinia Cup, Swan worlds, Copa del Rey, Fastnet races, Sydney to Hobarts, Steinlager Cups.