Mackenzie Cooper has been named the skipper of Team BDA for the 2017 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.

It’s an opportunity that he calls “a dream come true”. The 22-year-old went to Warwick Academy before attending Tabor Academy in the United States.

He is presently taking a year off from St Mary’s College of Maryland to prepare with Team BDA. The Southampton resident has three younger siblings and has been sailing since the age of seven.

Being skipper doesn’t necessarily mean Mackenzie will take the helm for the regatta in June and he is, in fact, training as both a helmsman and tactician.

We asked him some questions so we could get to know the leader of the Bermuda team a little bit better.

Who is the Bermudian you most admire?

My grandfather, he built our family and a business to the highest of standards.

Who is your sporting hero?

My sporting hero is Rafael Nadal. He fights for every last point no matter what.

If you weren’t on TeamBDA you would be…?

In School.

What would surprise people about you?

I don’t like the beach.

What do you do in your spare time?

Hang out.

Somerset or St George’s?

Somerset.

What is your favourite Bermuda symbol or icon?

Pink sand because it’s unique, but I still don’t like the beach.

What is your favourite or most used Bermudian phrase?

Stop ya noise!

If you could choose a new first name what would it be?

Otis

What are three songs you love right now?

Whatever is playing on the radio.

What’s your favourite flavour of ice cream?

Coffee.

Netflix binge watching?

I don’t watch Netflix.

What is one movie you think everyone should see?

Hidden Figures.

What muscles do you have now that you didn’t have before?

All of them.

How many push-ups could you do before TeamBDA and how many can you do now?

A little to a lot.

What do you eat or drink now that you didn’t before?

Protein, protein, protein.

What don’t you eat or drink now that you did before?

I have less snack food during the day.