Hendo's role
Date of Birth: September 4, 1972
Place of Birth: Melbourne, Australia
Nationality: Australia
Position/responsibility: Head of Rigging, Reserve Crew
As the head of rigging, “Hendo” is responsible for the day-to-day management of all rigging associated hardware and components on the wings and platforms.
“My day consists of seven things: coffee, wing check, wing launch, chaseboat ride, wing removal, wing check, new work list,” says Hendo. “I use big hammers and sharp knives, lots of hitting and cutting in my role.”
Hendo joined the team late in 2009 during the final build-up to the 33rd America’s Cup. Growing up in Melbourne he raced dinghies as a youth sailor but found his calling racing offshore yachts in his teens. He’s completed 15 Sydney-Hobart races, 10 transatlantic races and one Jules Verne Trophy attempt at the non-stop, round the world record.
Hendo takes great pride in seeing the wing development and working with so many different cultures within the team. “There are some good people here, true characters,” he says.
While winning the Cup was a gratifying experience, his fondest America’s Cup memory came when he was just 11 years old when Australia 11 became the first challenger in 132 years to win. “I watched ’83 Cup on television, and then had the day off from school,” he says with a smile.
Career Highlights
2010: 33rd America’s Cup, BMW ORACLE Racing, winner
2009: Joins BMW ORACLE Racing