Today we hear from Wild West Sailing First Mate Fiona for the SSE Round Ireland Yacht Race From Galway to New Zealand and back, the Atlantic salt was calling.
Name
Fiona Ryder
What’s your job/profession?
Currently, a Consultant in Adventure Tourism and Health & Safety, specialising in adventurous activities.
Who is someone you admire, and why?
Hands down my amazing sister and her family. She is the most humble, empathetic, kind human I have ever known, especially as she faces some of the most unthinkable challenges in life. She is an unstoppable hero on how to live.
Tell me three pet peeves.
Haha, hey so you should ask the crew about this one. Think they might have some impressions they could share with you. Joe made a dismal attempt at an impression of me the other night at team dinner!!
What’s a typical day like for you?
Lucky for me I don’t have a typical day. I’ve been a digital nomad for the last couple of years and am lucky to spend time in my two homes, Ireland and NZ. Days can be anything from sailing to contract work to family to time with my pooch and friends.
I’m extremely fortunate to live and work in a natural rhythm.
.Do you have any skills or talents that most people don’t know about or maybe would prefer not to know about :)
I can flip a huge stack of beer mats.
If you could be anywhere other than here, right this minute, where would you be?
Anywhere sunny – Pacific Island, Mediterranean island?
Flashback to when you were 10 years old. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I had the best pair of WW wonder woman shoes. Love the resurgence of the stories and have been to Athens and Delos last year, I had a fabulous reflection on my youth and love of the strong women of our past!!
If we went to happy hour, what would you order?
Round of dark and stormies for the crew
Name three words that describe you.
Following her path
What’s a goal you have for yourself that you want to accomplish in the next year?
Build my tiny home cabin and get the site organised.
What are you happiest doing, when you’re not working?
I have a long list, as long as it’s with people I love. Although I really enjoy the alone time too.
Weekend boating with friends, Muriwai beach and forest with my pooch, road trip or day drive. PJ day. Yummy scotch in hand.
What would be your personal motto?
Pause, breathe and listen to your gut. What feels right is right. Surrender.
What inspired you to do the SSE race around Ireland?
Wanting to do one of the big ones on my home ground and the opportunity to be Wild West Sailing First Mate on this epic race.
