Sophie Heritage, Athena Pathway's Boat Captain, has begun working with the INEOS Britannia's shore team, in preperation for next year's Youth & Puig Women's America's Cup. Despite only arriving in Barcelona in August, Sophie is already fully immersed in all aspects of shoreside operations, taking on the role of AC40 Boat Captain as the team head to the second AC Preliminary Regatta in Jeddah next month.
'Having been working with the Emirates GBR Sail GP team for the last 18 months and the Athena Pathway Programme more recently it was really an amazing opportunity to be asked to move to Barcelona and work with the British America's Cup Team. I made the leap two months ago, but I have learnt a huge amount within that time. Sadly very little Spanish though.
'The team I am currently working with are hugely skilled within all of their departments and I’m sure they must be getting sick of all my questions but everyone on the team has welcomed me with open arms. I currently report to the Operations manager at INEOS – Jeff Causey. As the new Boat Captain for the AC40, I have the opportunity to work with all departments from boatbuilding to electronics. The complexity of these boats means that a level of knowledge only experience can teach is required in order to get us onto the water and have a successful day of sailing and practise racing with the other AC teams.
'My day to day includes ensuring that all jobs are competed on the AC40 and that she is prepped and ready to go sailing, sticking to schedules and getting out on the water where feasible.
'The Americas cup is one of the pinnacles of our sport and I feel hugely privileged to work with the current team at INEOS, everyone whether it be the shore crew, sailors or design staff, everyone has taken the time to teach me whenever possible and looking to the AC its something special to all be working towards the same goal – the bring the Cup home later next year. '