I can’t wait to be all alone in the Southern Ocean, riding huge waves. I’m also looking forward to the many technical challenges this race will throw at me—and, hopefully, the incredible feeling of overcoming them.

I love adventures, and I think the World STAR—a singlehanded, nonstop circumnavigation—is one of the last true adventures we can experience.

First, Wilfried Erdmann—a legendary German solo sailor who completed three solo, nonstop circumnavigations. He was my inspiration for getting into sailing. My second guest would be someone like Boris Herrmann, Sam Goodchild, or Conrad Colman—sailors who’ve taken on the world in a Class40 and now compete in the IMOCA Class. Their experiences and insights would be invaluable for someone preparing for the World STAR.

I definitely won’t miss the everyday tasks of normal life, like doing taxes! What I’ll miss most is a comfortable bed, a hot shower, and a good meal—and, of course, my girlfriend.

In my last career, I was a paragliding instructor and went on expeditions around the world. I flew up to 6,500 meters in the Himalayas and crossed the length of New Zealand by paraglider and on foot.

I think the most important thing is to get as many miles as possible on the boat before completing a major refit to get it into perfect shape! The right funding is essential to do this, and finding it might be the toughest part.

Big winds, big waves, big surfes :P

In sailing, my biggest achievement was crossing the Atlantic twice singlehanded on my 1970 Hurley 18. I´m also quit proud of 12 years of flying and basejumping adventures without any injuries.

Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf

I don’t really know any good ones... I’m not exactly a comedian 😛