NIGEL KING

Business Coach

“Acclaimed Professional Sailor, National Champion & Performance Coach”

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An acclaimed Professional Sailor, National Champion and Performance Coach, with over 30 years of competing and coaching at the highest level, Nigel’s accomplishments have naturally fused to form an all encompassing and powerful business and leadership offering.

With an impressive portfolio of qualifications and experience supporting Sport England, Dame Ellen MacArthur DBE, Sport Science & Business and Leadership teams at top UK universities, adviser to TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) and 6 round the world campaigns, including 2 Volvo ocean races, and a Jules Verne Trophy record attempt.

Nigel is also no stranger to ‘the Merriweather way’. In 1997 he joined Merriweather Limited and played an executive role in transforming leaders and teams in GSK, BT, Microsoft and Compaq, with the effective execution of the unique Merriweather Business Improvement Programme.

Nigel also has a proven track record in working with teams of high performing millennials.

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Nigel King: Who I Am

"Britain needs sailors like King who are prepared to step out of their comfort zone and take on a big new challenge."
Andi Robertson, Journalist at Yachts and Yachting

Born and raised in East London I grew up loving all sports, and as a result I represented my school at most team sport events. I was always keen to try different sports, so when the chance to go sailing came at the age of 18, I jumped at it. Since leaving the market stalls of Walthamstow I have never looked back, and have spent the last 30 years as a professional sailor and coach.

At 18 I had no idea what that first day of sailing would unlock. It introduced me into a roller coaster world that I never knew existed. Over my life I have grown from someone who struggled to engage with school and education, into someone who has a thirst for knowledge and a desire to see people perform at their highest level, and go on to achieve their goals.

I love to be around open minded people who want to develop and push themselves, helping people unlock both their potential and the teams they work in; there is no greater feeling than assisting someone to achieve.

My years of competitive sailing have taught me that the only stupid question is the one un-asked. I love to understand what drives people and I love to ask the "why, what and how" questions.

Away from professional sailing and coaching I still love dinghy sailing as a hobby. I am a competitive swimmer, including racing at the 2015 European Master Championships, and swim open water events Nationally. I also love a good bike ride and have a passion for history.

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Nigel King: What I've Done

As a sailor I have raced at the highest level both inshore and offshore, single handed, double handed, and with a full crew. I have been part of 6 round the world campaigns, including 2 Volvo ocean races, and a Jules Verne Trophy record attempt. I have raced at international level on the Match Racing World Tour, 4 years on the RC44 circuit, International Etchells Class, International Dragon Class, 5 years on the French Figaro Circuit, 5 Sydney Hobart Races, 5 Rolex Fastnet Races, 4 Round Britain Races, 2 Round Ireland Races, 3 Rolex Middle Sea Races and 6 years on the Olympic Circuit racing the Soling Class including the 1996 British Olympic Trials.

My interest in coaching started at school as part of the kayaking team, where the senior members of the team were expected to coach the new members. Throughout my sailing career I have worked as team coach for various projects and over the last 10 years I have continued to hone those skills. I now work with teams and individuals across a multitude of sports and business.

I have an ILM level 7 in Coaching and Mentoring, an Advance Certificate in Executive Coaching and a Racing Coach Level 2. I also spent 2 years as a RYA Racing Keelboat Manager, and currently work as an adviser to TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme), Bath University and Bournemouth University Sport Science teams.

I have coached both Team Aqua and Team Cereef on the RC44 circuit, including a second place at the 2012 World Championship. I've been team manager / coach for two GBR Commodore’s Cup campaigns including the 2012 win, as well as many other yachting campaigns and business projects. I was a coach to 2 BT Global Challenge teams for the 1996 and 2000 races, and was a skipper / coach for race organisers The Challenge Business for the 2000 race.

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Nigel King: Qualifications

• Level 7 in Executive Coaching and Mentoring - Institute of leaders and managers (ILM)
• Advance Certificate in Executive Coaching- Bristol Business school (UWE)
• Mental Health First Aid – Mental Health England
• Safeguarding and Child Protection – UK Coaching
• Advanced Chimp Management – Chimp Management Ltd
• Racing coach level 2 – Royal Yachting Association (RYA)
• Accredited Anti-Doping advisor - UK anti-doping agency (UKAD)
• City & Guilds in Yacht and Boat construction
• PADI diver