Former Wales rugby player, Gavin Henson, shared a hair-raising tale of adventure on a recent episode of The Big Jim Show. Henson recounted the time he decided to sail his own yacht from Cardiff to Swansea after a night out, and things took a dramatic turn. The 33-cap international, known for his skills on the field, has mostly stayed out of the spotlight since retiring from professional rugby. However, his sailing escapade provided a glimpse into the daring side of his post-playing days.
During the podcast with former Scotland international Jim Hamilton, Henson described the ill-fated boat trip taken during a break from the sport. With his yacht docked in Swansea, Henson decided to sail it to Cardiff for a night out with friends. The next morning, without checking the weather, they set sail back to Swansea. What ensued was a harrowing journey as they encountered rogue waves due to conflicting tides and winds.
The waves proved to be overwhelming for Henson and his two mates on board. The yacht, described as the size of a house with four bedrooms and en-suites, was battered by the relentless sea. At one point, they found themselves submerged underwater for several seconds. Despite the perilous situation, Henson managed to navigate the yacht back to Swansea after a gruelling 12-hour ordeal battling the elements.
Reflecting on the experience, Henson likened it to a scene from “The Wolf of Wall Street,” but even more intense. One of his friends distanced himself after the traumatic journey, a testament to the gravity of the situation. Miraculously, the yacht persevered through the tumultuous conditions, reaching Swansea safely albeit worse for wear with seaweed strewn across its deck.
Nowadays, Henson leads a quieter life, playing rugby for Pencoed RFC and managing ‘The Fox’ pub in St Brides Major. The incident serves as a stark contrast to his days as a high-flying sports figure, highlighting the unpredictability of life after fame. As he approaches his 43rd birthday, Henson’s escapade serves as a reminder of the resilience required to weather life’s storms, both literal and metaphorical.
The tale of Henson’s nautical misadventure offers a glimpse into the unpredictable nature of life beyond the sporting arena. While his rugby days may be behind him, the daring spirit that propelled him to success still shines through in his unconventional post-retirement adventures. As Henson celebrates another year around the sun, his story serves as a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness needed to navigate the uncharted waters of post-professional life.