Sailor profile- Sebastien Col and Pataugas K-Challenge

by Lynn Fitzpatrick on 2 Feb 2009

Louis Vuitton Pacific Series - Day 1 - K-Challenge off Devonport Richard Gladwell www.photosport.co.nz

Lynn Fitzpatrick looks at Sebastien Col and Pataugas K-Challenge<.b>

Sebastian Col claimed the top spot in the match racing rankings in the autumn of 2006 and has been persistent about staying there. He has been a dominant player on the World Match Racing Tour and involved with AC Cup campaigns since 2002 when he was the training boat helmsman and strategist for K-Challenge.

Col revealed his recruiting process, 'I drew my team from the seven guys that have raced with me in the World Match Racing Tour and we recruited from other teams that are not competing in this event, such as Defasio Espanol. We contacted key players from each part of the boat and allowed them to build their crew. From the time that we started recruiting in November, it took us three weeks to hire the team.'

Carlo Costellano is one of the team of grinders recruited from Defasio Espanol. He says with a broad smile, 'Here nobody is bad. Each of us was a little rusty. Each race is really difficult. Everyone is using this as preparation for the next America’s Cup.'

Col would like to plan for the America’s Cup, but his horizon doesn’t extend beyond March at the moment. He is happy to be in Auckland at the Louis Vuitton Pacific series along with the professional sailors that he sees at so many races around the world. 'This event is a win-win,' says Col. 'We are professional sailors. We have to think about sailing. We have families and obligations. The sailors are happy because they are busy. The challengers have to work more and more together and be more independent of BMW Oracle and Alinghi.

Enthusiastic about the format of the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series, Col sees the short courses and evenly matched boats as being interesting for the sailors. 'Expect more crashes,' said Col on the second day of racing. Likewise, says Col, 'I would like to see a class of boats where the spectators can appreciate the intensity and skill needed to compete.'

With a bye in during the second day of racing, Col watched the Greeks, who took their first few sails on an America’s Cup class boat under his direction, defeat Shosholoza. They sailed conservatively in their second match race as a team and demonstrated that they are quick learners.

Col and Pataugas K-Challenge suffered a defeat to Damiani Italia during the third day of round robin racing. BMW Oracle and Team Origin scored wins against China Team and Alinghi, respectively, during Sunday’s windy round. The final race of the day between Luna Rossa and Shosholoza was rescheduled due to heavy winds.

To read other stories on the Louis Vuitton Pacific Series by Lynn Fitzpatrick see www.worldregattas.com
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sail-world.com/53513

Related Articles

Full Power Racing at Semaine Olympique Française
Breeze On, Battle Tightens in Hyères Day three in Hyères brought a proper shake-up as strong breeze and rain rolled through the bay, forcing an early postponement.
Posted today at 6:34 pm 57th French Olympic Week in Hyères day 3
Olympians rise as big easterlies wind up Hyères After the Champagne and sunshine of Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday brought the wind and tonic to the 57th Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères - TPM.
Posted today at 6:06 pm Svea and Rainbow set to race
At the Superyacht Cup Palma Richard Mille Two J Class yachts, the Swedish flagged Svea and Rainbow which will debut in the colours of her new owner, will take centre stage at the 30th anniversary of the Superyacht Cup Palma Richard Mille in late June.
Posted today at 4:55 pm 470 class at French Olympic Week Hyères Day 3
Spanish Duo Dominates as Conditions Reshape Gold Fleet What a day on the water at French Olympic Week in Hyères. Strong afternoon winds delivered high-intensity racing and significantly reshuffled the leaderboard.
Posted today at 4:11 pm 2027 McIntyre Ocean Globe Race is go!
The only race around the world via Cape Horn steered by humans The Inaugural 2023 Ocean Globe Race (OGR) was a huge success celebrating the 50th anniversary of the world's first fully crewed 1973 Whitbread Race.
Posted today at 4:03 pm Hit the Road with RS
Discover #RoofRackReady Boats! For many people, getting into sailing isn't about learning the skills or finding the right club - it's about logistics.
Posted today at 11:00 am Grand Prix d'Italia Dragon Cup 2026 in Sanremo
Blue Haze leads British Dragon success Seven British Dragons travelled to Sanremo, Italy, for the first IDA Grade 1 event of 2026, making an immediate impact on the international circuit with an outstanding set of results.
Posted today at 7:58 am 18 Footer Tradition
Tradition has played an important part in 18ft skiff racing's history Tradition has played an important part in 18ft skiff racing's history, so it's fortunate for the Australian 18 Footers League to have had many competitors, over the past 91 years, who have come down to the park each week to race their boats.
Posted today at 5:57 am Gold Fleet Decided at Semaine Olympique Française
Real Racing Begins Now in Hyères Day two at the Semaine Olympique Française in Hyères marked the end of the preliminary series, setting the stage for the split into gold and silver fleets in the 49er and Nacra 17.
Posted on 21 Apr 57th French Olympic Week in Hyères day 2
Italians winning game of inches in Hyères before the pressure rises If Monday was Champagne sailing, Tuesday was a Mediterranean Millésimé - the vintage. If you created an exceptional blend capturing one side of sailing in Hyères - and you did not want to try and bottle the Mistral - it might look something like this.
Posted on 21 Apr