My Story
From Zero to Hero
Growing up in sunny Southern California, Micky Munns did not discover his passion for sailing until age 14. After joining his high school team, Munns fell in love with the sport, setting his sights on sailing success. A local phenomenon, Munns placed near the top of his fleet in every event he competed in. Through hard work and relentless drive, he won the Junior Olympic championship after just two years of training.
As a high school junior, he began his transition to higher levels of competition. His campaign for the International 420 (I-420) World Championship was a fruitful one, with Munns placing sixth in his fleet. Over the next three years, he competed at or near the top of the national and international 420 fleets.
Munns continued to campaign in the 420 even while moving across the country to study and compete at Boston University. He placed well in both I-420 and college sailing regattas. Although his Spring season was cut short due to COVID-19, Munns continued to train for a third and final world championship.
That summer, Munns turned his energies to nurturing the next generation of sailors. Working in New Jersey, he led a four-boat team of new and experienced 420 sailors to podium finishes at every interclub regatta they competed in. Through his passion and hands-on approach, Munns showed his sailors the fruits of their labors, instilling a love of competition and preparation in them.
When the 2020 I-420 Worlds were cancelled, Munns decided it was time to take his sailing to the next level. He launched his 470 Olympic campaign in earnest in October and expanded his coaching program. He now conducts clinics and coaches regattas, making high-level knowledge accessible to young sailors. Working with determined athletes, he hopes to be the mentor he longed for when he began his career.
Career Highlights
3x I-420 Worlds Team USA
1st – 2017 Junior Olympic Championship
1st – 2018 C420 Pacific Coast Championship
3rd – 2018-19 Perry Series
1st – 2018 I-420 Pacific Coast Championship
1st – 2020 Harvard Invitational
“Before I left to come back home to New Zealand he told me I would see him at the olympics one day, this kid has the dedication and drive to get there.”
— Carl Evans, NZ 470 Olympian