Whether he's analysing performance data or fine-tuning the trim of an AC40, Sam Webb is happiest when he's solving problems.
The Athena Pathway trimmer is quick to describe himself as "technical, a nerd and passionate" – qualities that make him perfectly suited to one of the most demanding roles on board. While the excitement of foiling captures the headlines, Sam is focused on the countless details that unlock speed.
"I love all the numbers," he says. "I'm super into the data side of things."
For a trimmer, that attention to detail is everything. Every adjustment affects the balance and performance of the boat, with one factor always at the front of Sam's mind.
"When we're sailing, we're just thinking about performance and getting the boat going as quickly as possible. A big part of that is the heel of the boat. We're constantly trying to lock that in as best as possible. It's probably something people don't realise we're thinking about all the time."
Away from the technical side, Sam brings an infectious enthusiasm to the team. Ask how his teammates would describe him and he laughs.
"They'd probably say I smile quite a lot. I think they're right because I'm pretty happy to be here."
It's easy to understand why.
Being part of Athena Pathway represents the first real step towards a competition that has fascinated him since childhood.
"My first memory of the America's Cup was watching the racing in San Francisco on TV. Seeing those big multihulls flying around the harbour was incredible."
Long before the AC40s, however, there were weekends spent at his local sailing club.
"My parents have always been sailors, so they got me into the sport when I was about five years old. We'd jump into little plastic Optimists and bash around for a few hours every weekend. It was a brilliant introduction to sailing."
That early love for the sport has developed into an opportunity to compete at its highest level. The transition from simulator sessions to racing an AC40 has been rapid, but one Sam has embraced.
"It's been a crazy journey from the simulator to racing in such a short period of time. Looking back, it feels like a whirlwind, but it's been amazing. To be surrounded by this team and racing against some of the sailors we've raced against has been an awesome experience."
Now, every training session has a clear purpose.
"The dream is to go and win the Youth America's Cup. Every day we're out here, we're training and pushing towards that goal."
Despite the ambition, Sam believes the most important lesson in sailing hasn't changed since those early days in an Optimist.
"Just have as much fun as possible on the water. If you're enjoying it, you'll want to do more, and you'll naturally get better. I think fun is the most important thing, whether it's sailing or any other sport."
For now, he's making the most of every opportunity.
"Being part of this programme is really special. It's my first introduction to the America's Cup, which is something I've always wanted to do. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of this team. We've got some great characters, and it's brilliant to be out here training with them every day."
For someone who loves the numbers, the data and the challenge of making an AC40 faster, Sam Webb is exactly where he wants to be—on the water, chasing speed and working towards one of sailing's biggest prizes.