Meet the 29er fleet #7 - Tom Goron and Mael Clochard (FRA)
by International 29er Class 31 May 2023 15:31 BST
Men's European and U17 Champions 2022, French 29er team Tom Goron and Mael Clochard © International 29er Class
How long have you sailed the 29er?
We have been sailing together for almost three years at the training center in La Baule.
What do you love about sailing the 29er and the racing?
I really like the 29er, the fast navigation and the strategy downwind is unlike other boats. The 29er is very technical, fast, and the level of the International fleet is very high, that's what we like and what we came for in the 29er.
What are your strengths as a team? Who does which jobs in the boat and what are you both good at?
I would say that the strength of our team is the versatility to the type of conditions and we are particularly good on fairly strategic race courses. On board Mael has the role of making the boat move as fast as possible in all conditions, whilst Tom takes care of the tactics and strategy part.
Why do you think you've been so successful in the 29er and what are your future goals in the class?
I think that our success is thanks to the high end of training of the Baule which allows us to train hard and successfully. Thanks to the centre of training, our future objectives are to become World champions in the 29er Class.
Who/what has inspired you and your successes?
Tom: I don't have a person who inspires me in particular although it was my father who gave me a taste for sailing and competition.
Do you have any top tips for people just starting in the 29er and those looking to improve their performance for next year?
The only advice that we apply and that we know is true is; work hard and you will succeed one day or another, that's for sure.
What are your future sailing goals, dreams and ambitions?
For my part (Tom) I would like after sailing the 29er, to continue towards offshore racing. The open sea has attracted me since I was little and it is a dream for me to reach this offshore racing circuit in France. For Mael, he would like to continue his studies and focus more on match racing, still at La Baule.