Meet the US Sailing Team – 49er duo Erik Storck and Trevor Moore

US Sailing Team's 49er duo Erik Storck and Trevor Moore © Mick Anderson / US Sailing

With the 2012 Olympic Games fast approaching, it’s time to meet the US Sailing Team Sperry Top-Sider sailors who we will be cheering on this summer. In the first edition of the Meet The Team series, we get to know 49er teammates Erik Storck and Trevor Moore.

Describe the 49er to someone who is a sailor but may not be familiar with the boat.

Erik Storck: The 49er is 4.9 meters or roughly 16.5 feet. The hull weighs only 94 kilos, or 207 pounds. The mast is a three-section carbon fiber mast with two carbon fiber spreaders. The boat is nearly eight feet wide with the wings attached to the rails, though the waterline is only slightly over three feet wide. The wings, along with both skipper and crew being on trapeze gives the righting moment necessary to counterbalance the enormous sail area. The 49er has a large asymmetrical spinnaker that allows for speeds in excess of the wind speed downwind in most conditions.

How are the responsibilities divided up in the boat?

Erik Storck: The most generalized way to describe the division of duties is to say that I am in charge of tactics and Trevor is in charge of speed. Trevor trims the main upwind while I steer and adjust the jib. Downwind, I trim the main and Trevor trims the spinnaker. I can generally look around more than Trevor, so I make most the tactical calls while Trevor is always focused on boat speed.

How long have you two known each other? Had you ever raced against each other prior to teaming up?

Erik Storck: Trevor and I have known each other since we were each about 10 years old. We competed on two Optimist World Championship Teams and one South American Championship Team together. We were fierce competitors in our college years, Trevor competing for Hobart and William Smith Colleges and I for Dartmouth College. In our senior year Trevor won the College Sailor of the Year and I was a finalist. I began sailing the 49er with my older brother, John, who decided that an Olympic campaign wasn’t for him. He was a teammate of Trevor’s at HWS and recommended I ask him to sail with me. It’s worked out incredibly well.

Describe your team in three words.

Erik Storck: Driven, Talented, Unified

What motivated you to pursue an Olympic sailing campaign?

Trevor Moore: It has been a life long dream to win a gold medal and compete in the Olympics.

This is your first time at the Olympic Games. Have any veterans given you advice?

Erik Storck: I’ve gotten a good amount of advice over the years from past Olympians, both sailors and other athletes. Tim Wadlow, two-time 49er helm Olympian, sat down with Trevor and me this winter and gave us some insight on the specifics of sailing in the Olympic 49er fleet. The best advice I’ve gotten is to enjoy the process, and that has been true for this entire campaign.

What are you most looking forward to about competing in the Olympics?

Erik Storck: I’m most looking forward to flying the flag spinnaker and having USA on our sail (with no number). It will be very special to represent our country in that fashion. Walking in the Opening Ceremonies will be a highlight as well.

What will be your biggest challenge during the Games?

Erik Storck: Our biggest challenge during the Games will be to maintain our focus through the long, segmented event. With racing taking place over 10 days instead of the usual six, and with numerous two-race days, it will be crucial to maintain a steady and consistent focus in spite of all the distractions. We have been preparing for that, and we are confident we will be able to bring our best to the water no matter what the external circumstances.

What is one thing you are looking forward to doing more of after the Olympics Games?

Erik Storck: I’m looking forward to being home more. Doing a full-time Olympic campaign is a whirlwind of travel that can wear on a person. I’m also really looking forward to skiing again without the fear of injuring myself!

Who has been the most influential person in your sailing career and why?

Trevor Moore: My brother Dana, I have always looked up to him and his achievements and I wanted to one day equal him or surpass.

What are your top three favorite places to sail in the world?

Erik Storck: Perth, Australia; Lake Mascoma, NH (home of Dartmouth College Sailing Team); Lake Garda, Italy

Do you have any superstitions or traditions that you follow on race days?

Erik Storck: I have a general routine I follow to feel prepared, but no real superstitions. I do, however, have a towel that I won at the Optimist World’s in Martinique in 1999 for winning a race that I still use to change into my sailing gear every day.

What is your favorite TV show?

Trevor Moore: Entourage

What is the last song you downloaded onto your iPod?

Erik Storck: Kick Drum Heart by The Avett Brothers