Interview with the reigning J/80 World Champion
by Agence TB Press 24 May 2018 04:17 PDT
7-14 July 2018
Spanish crew skippered by Tabares Rayco © María Muiña
The Spanish crew skippered by Tabares Rayco won the Worlds in 2017 and 2016 and it has been monopolising the J/80 podiums for some years.
Naturally, it ranks among the favourites for the J/80 Worlds in Les Sables d'Olonne, which will gather together 120 one-designs from 7 to 14 July 2018. Interview...
Your presence from 7 to 14 July in Les Sables d'Olonne is eagerly awaited, particularly by the French crews who have never made it to the highest step of the podium in a J/80 World Championship. What is your recipe for such a hegemonic performance?
Firstly, it's an honour for me to be able to participate in a Worlds in a country like France, where sailing is part of the culture and the cradle of sailing's big names. Our recipe for having been so successful in this category is unquestionably down to the massive amount of work we've done as a team for several years on the island of Lanzarote, where conditions are among the best in the world for practising this sport.
Are you familiar with the race zone of Les Sables d'Olonne? If so, could you describe it to us? If not, how will you gauge what it's like prior to the main event?
I'm not familiar with the race zone of Les Sables d'Olonne, but I always try to arrive at a competition with some good information about the venue, its winds and its currents. We've also got into the habit of arriving a few days in advance to adapt to the venue.
Can you tell us about the J/80 activity in Spain and whether you go sailing every weekend?
In Spain, we continue to sail in various regional fleets. The Canary Islands and Santander are the top fleets and the most substantial, but today sailing has developed across most of the country. I regret not being able to sail as much as I'd like in this category, as it's difficult in terms of scheduling, but I'm trying to do races in the Canaries, with the focus on scheduling in some specific training sessions to improve technique on the boat.
Who will be your main rivals in Les Sables d'Olonne?
I think that in a championship at this level, you cannot predict who your rivals will be as I believe that all the participants will have a chance to shine and we'll only see the potential of each team during the championship itself. I think these Worlds will group together very well prepared local crews.
Technically, what appeals to you about the J/80? What are the special features of this boat? Do you have any technical tips you can share with us?
She's a highly technical craft, which is relatively simple to manœuvre, where the emphasis is on tactical decisions. I also love the way she handles in strong wind. She's a very seaworthy and fun boat. I think that on a technical level, the boat doesn't hold any secrets. I'd simply say that putting in the hours on the water with the same crew can make you very strong in terms of your ability to handle the boat.
Can you introduce us to your crew for the Worlds, post by post?
Alfredo Gonzalez: Asymmetric spinnaker and jib trimmer
Alejandro Bethencourt: jib trimmer
Lai Francisca: Pit
Hector Gonzalez: Bowman
All of them are great sailors and we're lucky to have been able to sail together for a number of years. We're like a family, because we've known each other since we first got into sailing.
A final word?
Greetings to the entire French fleet! We're looking forward to sailing in Les Sables.
j80worlds2018.com