Eight Months to Mars - Tom Schnackenberg

His relationship with the America's Cup began in 1977 with the sails for the American defender 'Enterprise'. In 1983 he changed the entire course of Cup history with his sail designs for Australia II, the 'wing-keeled wonder' that allowed the Aussies to beat the New York Yacht Club. He went on to become one of the most recognisable faces of Team NZ in his various roles as navigator, syndicate head and design co-ordinator. He's been offshore now for several years, but is preparing to come home.