STEVE HAYLES

United Kingdom | Navigator

Date of birth: 23 February 1973

From: Southampton, United Kingdom

Nationality: British

Something about him that you don't know: Steve almost became a professional footballer and played for Southampton in his youth alongside players who went on to play for England.

Who he is: A Volvo Ocean Race veteran, Hayles made his debut onboard Reebok/Dolphin and Youth in 1993-94, and is still the youngest ever navigator in the race's history. He went on to make it five consecutive races over 15 years, onboard Silk Cut in 1997-98, Team Tyco in 2001-02, Ericsson Racing Team in 2005-06 and Green Dragon in 2008-09, and returns to the event with Scallywag after almost a decade away. His skipper David Witt calls him 'the best navigator I've ever sailed with'. That’s quite a vote of confidence, considering Witt’s experience!