Gábor is passionately obsessed with sailing that he has been doing since his childhood, mostly on lake Balaton. From spring to late autumn he restlessly seeks as many opportunities as possible to get away from the city to Balaton and set the sails with his family (a wife and two girls) or friends.

With time he discovered how the joy of sailing can make people smile and how the well-spent time on the yacht can deepen human relationships.

1. Where did you grow up?

I was born and have always lived in Budapest. I started my working life at Malév, the disappeared Hungarian flag carrier airline and I had countless opportunities to travel, but I have never moved abroad and never left the city for longer times.

2. If you could be an expat anywhere in the world, where would you choose?

In the Mediterranean part of Italy, France or Spain. Or a little Geek island, maybe?

3. What would you miss most if you moved away from Hungary?

The night view from the middle of Margaret bridge looking south. And the lively atmosphere of inner Pest on a summer evening. And Gábor Füzy’s nights in the Red Champagne Piano Bar.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

A boat trip on the Danube. Try one of the marvellous baths (most likely they would want to go to Széchenyi, but Veli bej is a hidden pearl).

5. What is your favourite place in Hungary?

The waters on a boat in front of Balatonfüred. One of the most beautiful scenery of the country. In particular, at sunset.

6. What’s a job you would definitely never want?

Customer service agent. It must be a terrible challenge to solve the problems of angry people under pressure without losing your temper and patience.

7. Where did you spend your last vacation?

In Croatia, in and around Opatija. A lovely place with the grandeur of history and with the charm of the seaside.

8. What is your favourite band, film, or hobby?

I love Shirley Bassey, for me a diva of all times! I cannot watch the Dirty Rotten Scoundrels with Michael Caine and Steve Martin enough to get bored.

9. Apart from temptation what can't you resist?

I am afraid sailing is more than just a hobby or passion: it is addiction!

10. Red wine or white?

As I go with my age I am turning from red to white – light, fruity and slightly spicy are my favourites.

11. Morning person or night person?

Definitely a night person. It is my heaviest duty to wake up early in the morning to set the kids for school.

12. Buda or Pest side?

Both at the same time: have your home in Buda but live your life in Pest!

13. What would you say is your personal motto?

“Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python.

14. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?

I completed the Day Skipper and Coastal Skipper sailing qualifications at the Royal Yacht Association of the UK. Hard practical, hands-on exercises on sound basis of theory. I earned them and I am proud of these qualifications.

I also hold commercial skipper licence together with the appropriate yacht operating qualifications issued by the competent Hungarian authority for inland waters, i.e. Balaton.

In my work throughout the years I have had the opportunity to meet foreign nationals living in Budapest. My excellent experiences with these people gave me the idea to share my passion for sailing with expats living here who might find it attractive to get away from daily rush to one of the most beautiful areas of Hungary: lake Balaton. So I decided to offer one-day sailing cruises on lake Balaton here: www.sailnjoy.hu.