In the world of elite sailing, precision, timing, and mental resilience are key components for success.
Few embody this balance as well as Micky Beckett, Olympian and member of the British Sailing Team since 2013.
Known for his skill in the highly competitive ILCA 7 class, Beckett has spent over a decade honing his craft.
We sat down with him to explore his journey, insights, and the role timing plays in his sport.
You’ve achieved a lot at a young age. How has your journey with the British Sailing Team shaped you as both a sailor and an individual?
I've been with the team for 11 years; to say it's been part of my formative years is a huge understatement! I joined when I was 18.
I'm probably quite a different person now—certainly a lot more confident in what I'm doing and in what it takes to be a good sailor.
I didn't used to have a life outside of sailing, which I like to think I do now, even if I'm always on the water.
Can you walk us through your typical pre-race routine? How do you mentally and physically prepare for a big race?
Pre-race is all about timings, knowing exactly when the start is and working back from there.
At the orange flag, I want to have a reasonable handle on the conditions and a last check-in with my coach before going into the pre-start routine once the 5-minute gun goes.
From there, it's just a question of staying calm and checking any further changes in conditions before trying to execute a start at my preferred end.
Optimum Time Watches are built with precision in mind. How important is timing when you’re out on the water?
Timing is everything.
There are really critical windows of time in the pre-start where you are then committed to your position and can no longer change your mind.
The difference between 2:10 and 1:10 to go can be everything; at start time, half a second can be everything.
Sailing demands focus and quick decision-making. How do you stay calm and collected during high-pressure moments?
I focus on the nuts and bolts of the skill, not the outcome or whatever is resting on the outcome of any given day.
Keep things simple.
If you make a mistake, nothing actually bad will happen—it's not life and death!
What are the key qualities that make a great sailor, especially in single-handed dinghy racing?
Everyone is an individual, and there are no hard and fast rules about who you need to be.
However, certain traits are common at the top—you need to be able to problem-solve, sometimes quickly, and be stubborn to the extent of refusing to ever give up.
If you can still crack a smile when the weather is cold and miserable, that helps too!
You’ve been sailing for over a decade—how has the sport evolved since you first joined the British Sailing Team?
The biggest change is in the other classes.
In the last two Olympic cycles, half of the classes have changed to foiling boats and boards.
I watch from a distance in my ILCA, but nevertheless, it's been interesting to see the personalities change as things move away from conventional sailing.
The skills needed to be the best keep evolving too.
What’s your most memorable race to date, and what made it stand out?
The last race at the Worlds in Adelaide this year was quite something.
The breeze was late 20kts over these massive onshore waves, and the best sailors in the world in the form of their lives were struggling to go downwind.
As it was the last race of the event, everyone was knackered too. You could see it in people's faces how tired everyone was, but nobody gave in.
I came 2nd in that race, and Philip Buhl won—it was real survival stuff.
How do you use your Optimum Time Watch during a race? Are there any particular features you rely on most?
I'm very reliant on the 'sync' button, as I usually forget to get to the race committee boat in time to be able to hear the 5-minute gun!
As a professional athlete, what advice would you give to young sailors aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Don't beat yourself up for your mistakes, but nevertheless, take responsibility for them.
Don't put anything down to good or bad luck.
Celebrate the small wins.
How do you stay motivated and keep pushing yourself to improve, even after all your achievements?
I haven't won a World Championship yet, and doing that would make me very happy. I love the racing but care quite a lot about being good at it!
I'm a bit of a perfectionist in a sport where it's impossible to be perfect, so motivation isn't ever far away.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the future—both in sailing and beyond?
I still haven't figured out what I want to do when I grow up. I enjoy my ILCA sailing, and as long as my back and ankles can put up with it, I'll sail on.
Longer-term, I would like to keep working with initiatives to get more people involved in sailing, as I really believe in the value of the sport.
What does a perfect day on the water look like for you, whether in training or racing?
Racing against the best people in a nice place (strong preference for sunshine), then being able to chat and laugh about it afterward with friends.
Micky Beckett’s journey and insights reflect the essence of resilience, precision, and a passion for the sport of sailing. As he continues to chase new horizons with his unwavering dedication and precision timing, he remains an inspiration to aspiring sailors everywhere. Optimum Time is proud to support athletes like Micky who exemplify the power of timing and focus in achieving greatness on the water.