Will Heritage is a rigger for GB1, and for him, this is very much a family affair. His sister, Sophie, is also with the British Challenge as boat captain for the Athena Pathway Programme’s AC40.
“We used to sail together on catamarans for years, so we get along really well. We do bicker and argue a bit, but it’s only natural. She moved herself into my container within days, so we’re working six feet apart from each other all day, every day, apart from when we’re on different chase boats.”
It’s Will’s second America’s Cup, having previously worked as a rigger with American Magic in AC37 in Barcelona. He started out working for his father, a well-known boat builder in Cowes. After learning the family business, he moved onto the grand prix circuit with TP52 yachts as a rigger before progressing to the America’s Cup.
“At school, I was always a massive sports fan, so PE, Design and Technology, and mathematics were my favourite subjects. I basically excelled in anything I could apply to sailing—that was the way forward for me.
“My day-to-day job involves building strops and running rigging for the AC40s and AC75s. Operationally, that means putting the masts in and out of the boats, launching them, and providing on-the-water support while they’re sailing. There are checks we have to carry out before docking out to make sure everything is set correctly and ready to go.
“There’s a lot of rigging on the AC40 platforms as well. These boats require a significant amount of maintenance, so it’s a full-time job. Anything involving ropes, standing rigging, or hardware—blocks, spreaders, and so on—falls within our remit. It even extends to the chase boats and all of our alongside towing gear.
“Everything comes under the rigging department. It’s very interdepartmental. We work with the hydro team, fitting strops to their rams; with the chase boat team on all the side-tow operations; and with the boat builders on operational matters.
“I’m really excited to represent Britain and also the Royal Yacht Squadron, which is my home club in Cowes. The parents are super stoked—they’re so happy that we’re looking after each other. It’s like having your best friend at work every day, which is really nice.
“I wouldn’t know what else I’d rather do. For me, this is it. I love it so much.”
