If you have ever had the fortune to meet Dave Cullen, you would never forget it. On land his bubbly personality, warmth and generous spirit make him a great companion to enjoy a drink or three with. However once on the water it's his determination and skill that mark him as one of Ireland's best sailors.

In 2015 he and his team were victorious in sailing Checkmate XV at the Half Ton Classics Cup in Nieuwpoort, Belgium. Taking home First Prize. He was awarded Sailor of the Month for August in Afloat.ie magazine, and is currently on their shortlist for Irish Sailor of the Year 2015. He also received the Boat of the Year award from Howth Yacht Club.

When on dry land, Dave is the rear commodore at Howth Yacht Club in County Dublin and the CEO of Euro Car Parks.

MP: Dave, if you were on a desert Island who would you like to be stranded with?
DC: That would have to be Meg Ryan purely for research purposes!

MP: What is your first memory of boating?
DC: Lugging my little wooden Oppie into the creek in Kilbarrack

MP: What is your best experience on a boat?
DC: Ripping up the West Coast of Ireland on the Round Ireland race on helm of Megalopolis II

MP: What is your worst experience on a boat?
DC: That would be almost sinking in full gale on Comanche Raider off Lands’ End.

MP: What is your favourite anchorage?
DC: Kinsale in County Cork.

MP: If you could only do one voyage, where would your destination be?
DC: Vanuatu in the South Pacific Ocean.

MP: Who is your personal hero/heroine?
DC: Gandhi/Meg Ryan
MP: There seems to be a theme emerging here, anyone else spot it!

MP: Best or worst advice given?
DC: Best would be to keep the head up and be patient! Worst – You can never lose with bank shares!

Thank you ever so much for Dave for taking the time to chat with Boatshed. If you would like to suggest a watery based personality we should be chatting to, please get in touch - marie@boatshed.com