Sarah Kanowski

Not long before the ill-fated Sydney to Hobart race in 1998, what ad did you see in a magazine that set your racing on a different course?

And what made it the toughest race?

Well, it makes sense when you describe it, Will.

That makes it sound like a sensible way to sail.

That just sounds so mad.

I mean, surely it's hard enough to sail around the world even with the winds helping you, but sailing upwind the whole way.

Like, now he's getting even madder.

Why amateurs?

And you put your hand up.

Related to sailing or could it be about anything else?

You passed all of that rigorous testing and you were accepted and you were nominated as skipper.

What did you think when you met your crew of amateurs?

That's extraordinary to me because you're describing it in such a sort of calm, ordered way, Will.

But I can't help but think there must have been certain nights, middle of the night, we'd think this is never going to work.

These guys are never going to be able to get us safely around the world the wrong way.

So was it a completely different experience sailing against the wind than the other races you've done?

I think you should have got a PhD for that.

Forget the NBA, anything they could throw at you, any title you deserve after that.

Do you stay in contact with that crew?

You must have formed such a bond after that.