Harken Speedteam: Anderson

Mikee Anderson &
David Hughes
Men's 470

Mikee started sailing in his early teens after a sports injury kept him from his first love of swimming. He translated his swimming talent into sailing talent and became one of the top junior sailors in the nation. He won the junior national championships, as well as several high school national titles. A student at USC, Mikee was named 2005 College-Sailor-of-the-Year, the nation's top honor in collegiate sailing.

Dave Hughes, 27, lives and works in San Diego, CA. Dave grew up on the East Coast racing Lasers, 420s, ICs and 14s. Dave began logging in his years on the trapeze early but, like Mikee, he started sailing competitively later than most—at age 13. Outside of sailing, David holds a BA in PoliSci and a Master's in International Relations.

Links:
International 470 Class
470 Deck Layout
Harken Canvas
Harken Dealers
McLube™Sailkote

Speedteam Spotlight:
Harken & McLube™ Speedteam sailors compete in Olympic and international racing classes around the world. We are dedicated to helping these outstanding athletes achieve their dreams and use their feedback to equip all sailors with the best products possible.

Is there a mentor, role model or some other key figure in your life who has significantly impacted your sailing?
Mikee Anderson: I'll be forever grateful to my grandfather for sticking me in a boat for the first time and to Jon Rogers, my first coach. Last year in Athens, Paul Foerster and Kevin Burnham took us under their wings and taught us the ropes in the 470. They helped us understand personal drive.
David Hughes: Definitely US Coach Skip Whyte! Over the years, Skip has believed in me and his enthusiasm for the sport is contagious. Skip showed us that hard work and focus, along with a little fun, is the right formula.

Is there another side to you that you’d like to share with our readership?
MA & DH: When we’re not 470 training or racing, we honestly enjoy each other’s company. As a team, this is probably the biggest asset we have. In our non-sailing lives, Dave works full-time and Mikee’s a full-time student.

Do you have any feedback or thoughts on Harken and McLube™products?
MA & DH: 470 racing demands reliable equipment, and after lots of experimenting it became obvious to us Harken hardware is the strongest, smoothest running, and longest lasting. McLube™goes hand-in-hand with our Harken gear. We’re not at all timid about applying it liberally, and make sure all moving parts, spars, and sails are well-rinsed and coated daily.

DECK layout

International 470

featured Hardware

Carbo Ratchet

Lubricant

McLube™Sailkote