Emil-André Gundersen was born in the far north of Arctic Norway, grew up in the south, but has now found his way back to the higher latitudes where he belongs. He lives in Tromsø and is often seen in the mountains when not sailing.
To get to know him better, we asked him a few questions:
"Fun fact about you?
- The very first time I sailed, I hoisted the sails upside down and didn't realize it until someone commented on it.
What's the best part of being a skipper?
- Being able to show off our incredible playground, northern Norway, to all the great people who come sailing with us. And all this while the boat is almost magically pushed or pulled by the wind.
Apart from sailing, what are your 3 main hobbies?
- I love skiing, hiking and camping. (But I still prefer sailing).
Best advice ever?
- Hmm...It's a tricky question, but a wise man once told me that you can't do anything with your age, but you can choose to grow old or not."
If John takes you,
John Macken was born and raised on a remote North Atlantic island called Great Britain (his own words). John sailed extensively in the Mediterranean before settling in the Norwegian Arctic aboard "Embla", an Albin Vega 27, with his girlfriend.
To get to know him better, we asked him a few questions;
"Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
- When I'm not on the water, I like to snorkel. My PB is 38 m deep.
What's your favorite part of being a skipper?
- There are a lot of things I love about it, but the best thing is that when your crew is excited, the sails go up and the engine goes out, there's a special atmosphere on board. And seeing their happy faces as they learn to sail is just magical.
What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
- If you're thinking about shakingout a reef,put the kettle onand have a cup of tea ", a sailor's expression meaning that if you're stuck in a reef, there's no point getting worked up, and you'd better be patient and wait for a headwind.
If you weren't a sailor, what were you working on?
- It's a mystery I've often pondered. If I ever find the answer, I'll let you know."
