As Mark Mansfield mulled his options after retiring from a career in banking, he knew he wanted a direction that put his passion for sailing first. A four-time Olympian (in Barcelona, Atlanta, Sydney, and Athens) in the Star keelboat, Mark also notched a win in the Star Europeans and a third place in the Star Worlds. He has also won National and European honours in Royal Cork's own 1720 sportsboat class. When it comes to his credentials, Mark's results in the speed arena are first-rate.
In 2005, Mark returned to big boats. He'd helmed a series of Admiral's Cups in the 1980s and took the helm of the unforgettable Jump Juice in the Commodore's Cup.
Switching to Sailing Class One in recent years, Mark had found his calling as a title-winning tactician on boats such as Joker 2, Big Picture (Half Tonner), and Anchor Challenge (Quarter Tonner), as well a middleman in the Etchells and Dragon class. He's also produced results offshore, winning in class in the 2016 Round Ireland Race.
Mark has spent the last five years coaching and sailing professionally. He also works as an agent for J Boats, Grand Soleil Yachts, and Nautitech Catamarans in Ireland and offers a unique blend of sailing, coaching, and rigging experience. Mark, along with Yannick Lemonnier and Quantum Sails Ireland, are uniquely positioned to support Irish sailing communities across the country.