Chris Graham

Chris Graham, 27, from Middlesbrough, England, will be among the participants in the PUMA 2010 International Moth Class World Sailing Championships.

Paulo Vecina / The National
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Chris Graham, 27, from Middlesbrough, England, works as a sales manager in Dubai. He will be among the participants in the PUMA 2010 International Moth Class World Sailing Championships, which take place off the coast of Dubai from March 8-14. 1. Don't be late. It indicates laziness and disrespect towards the people you are meeting. If you have to be late, call and send your apologies in advance. If you show dedication and keep good time you will go further in life. 2.Have fun. Too many people try too hard when they go racing. If you take the fun out of it, then no one will want to sail with you. Fun and enjoyment is a major part of high-level sports and without them you will never achieve what you want. 3. Embrace change. Sailing is a sport where technology is at the forefront. Change is always challenging because you can become comfortable with where you are, but if you don't embrace change then you cannot progress. You need to keep your mind open and accept other people's ideas and points of view. 4. Be fashionable. Sailing is a sport in which fashion is very important. If you are not wearing top-of-the-range gear, then you are a nobody. "You can't be fast if you don't look good" should be a motto picked up by a lot more sailors. On-trend sports clothing is a must for any sailor who thinks they are good enough to sail moths. 5. Have a goal. Working towards a goal will push you to achieve what you need to do and help you get there faster. Just don't be unrealistic in terms of your skill level, as you will fail, without question. My goal at the Moth World Championships is to finish inside the world top 10. As told to Helen McLaughlin