Nick Egnot-Johnson, better known as EJ, was introduced to sailing at a young age, learning to sail off the back of the family cruising boat in an Optimist from the age of 7 years old. His American-born mother is the esteemed Leslie Egnot, who has long called New Zealand home, who was a pathfinder for women yachties when, after winning silver in the 470 class at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, she became the first woman to helm an America’s Cup yacht as part of the all-women’s crew in San Diego in 1995. Nick represented New Zealand at Optimist regattas in Mexico, Portugal, Korea, New Caledonia, Canada, and Australia where he became the first Kiwi sailor to win the International Optimist Australian and Open Championships when he headed a 150-strong fleet.

Nick is a three-time New Zealand Keelboat National Champion and his team were awarded the 2019 Performance Award by New Zealand Yachting. Nick is currently shortlisted as potential skipper of the New Zealand Youth America’s Cup team. Knots Racing team from New Zealand are one of the most prominent up and coming match racing teams on the international circuit, currently in the top 15 rankings for the World Sailing Match Race Rankings. In 2022, Nick and KNOTS Racing reclaimed the World Match Racing Tour Championship.