Olympic Sailing: Is it possible to still become an Olympic sailor i

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Is it possible to still become an Olympic sailor i

Printed From: Yachts and Yachting Online
Category: General
Forum Name: Olympic Sailing
Forum Discription: The top end racing in our sport
URL: http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=8035
Printed Date: 07 Aug 25 at 11:54pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.665y - http://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: Is it possible to still become an Olympic sailor i

Posted By: Ula Easlick
Subject: Is it possible to still become an Olympic sailor i
Date Posted: 16 Jul 11 at 3:45am

It seems all the olympic class sailors start really early or are born into sailor families. I just moved to a city where I can learn sailing, and I'm in love with sailing already, wish I had started earlier. To all the great sailors out there, is it ever possible for a late starter to bloom in competitive sailing?

Edit by Mark: Pity, this person is a spammer trying to sell handbags - I've suspended him/her but kept the question!

Replies:

Posted By: JimC
Date Posted: 16 Jul 11 at 3:56am

I have a friend who started sailing in his thirties and has since won a European Championship in his chosen class so its certainly possible for a late starter to bloom at the highest levels of amateur sailing.

If you're in love with the pure enjoyment of sailing I would suggest staying clear of the Olympic pathway anyway: that's more for people who are focussed on winning and winning alone. There's more *fun* away from the games IMHO.

Posted By: LarFinn
Date Posted: 16 Jul 11 at 7:29am

Don't confuse Olympic sailing with Competitive racing. There are plenty of ultra competitive classes where older sailors are/can be at the front at a World Championships.

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Andi

Finn GBR75

Posted By: doeywizard
Date Posted: 17 Jul 11 at 10:31am

I got told that if you want something enough and work to get it then you can do anything you want, just work at the sailing and tell us all if you make it.

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Posted By: Contender443
Date Posted: 17 Jul 11 at 4:36pm

Originally posted by doeywizard

I got told that if you want something enough and work to get it then you can do anything you want, just work at the sailing and tell us all if you make it.

Have ou been speaking to Chris Russell?

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Bonnie Lass Contender 1764

Posted By: alstorer
Date Posted: 17 Jul 11 at 4:51pm

Certainly not required that you go through all the youth squads, if you've got talent you'll be spotted- Dan Henderson, Musto Skiff World Champion, has apparently now been approached by the RYA to consider campaigning a 49er, presumably aiming at 2016. Definitely not the "normal" route.

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Al

Posted By: themeaningoflife
Date Posted: 17 Jul 11 at 5:34pm

However he was 29er squad beforehand, as well as occasionally sailing a 49er at club level, and being recommended that he contact Pete Perera, a podium finisher at 29er world championships as well as being a relatively experienced 49er crew...

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Posted By: I luv Wight
Date Posted: 18 Jul 11 at 8:45am

And he won the use of an i14 for a year ( by doing very well at i14 trials ), was Pico national champion, so lots of experience in different boats.

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