Meet the 29er fleet #9 - Dylan Fletcher (GBR)
by International 29er Class 18 Jul 2023 20:21 AEST
Dylan Fletcher © International 29er Class
Meeting former 29er champions who have gone on to achieve great things in our sport. Silver medalist at the 29er Worlds and Europeans 2006 to 49er Olympic Champion in Tokyo, Dylan Fletcher takes the spotlight.
What was your journey into sailing?
Neither of my parents sailed but they sent me off to learn during a summer holiday when I was 11. At 13 I started sailing a Hobie 405 at Northampton Sailing Club and from there caught the racing bug. I never looked back!
Why did you choose the 29er and how old were you?
It was the obvious choice for stepping into the 49er for the future and at the time it was the cooler boat to sail compared to the 420. I started 29er sailing when I was 15.
Did you helm or crew and why?
I did a bit of both at the start, then I started sailing with Nick Hollis. We both wanted to helm but he was taller. It's a good job I didn't crew looking back as I was one of the smaller 49er helms, let alone big enough to crew!
What did you learn in the 29er that you think has helped you in your sailing beyond youth level?
It was a fantastic class to learn the skiff skills required for the 49er, not only that it also teaches you about sailing higher angles downwind with various modes. Modern sailing has been going more that way, not only is it fun but it helps set you up to transition into other classes and yachts down the line. With such a high quality large fleet and one design, the racing is close and rewards the same skills required at higher levels of racing.
Do you think the 29er prepares you well for professional sailing, Olympic, Offshore and foiling sailing like SailGP and Americas cup and why?
Absolutely, it teaches you those essential skills for sailing faster boats along with asymmetric techniques. The shorter races place a large emphasis on the start, something which is required for SailGP and Olympic sailing and it also teaches you to make decisions in less time. There is no doubt my 29er background has helped me along my journey.
What are your main strengths as a sailor and what are the biggest things you have learned in your sailing career?
This always feels like a difficult question to answer, as I want to be better in every area. Overall though I seem to have a knack for making boats go fast, have a bit of flair with decision making and enjoy the pressure of regattas. There have been many big lessons I have learnt the hard way as I am sure is the same for most. The main points being how you are able to push yourself to work harder, but also ensuring that energy is put into the right parts of the campaign. Its all to easy too get lost in the details of sailing and miss the big picture of the campaign.
What would be your advice for our 29er sailors if they want to pursue a career in sailing?
Working hard, enjoy the journey and do not let the naysayers get in your way.
We are approaching our World Championships in Weymouth this summer - do you have any top tips or any words of wisdom about racing there that you can impart as the resident skiff Gold Medallist?!
Weymouth can provide a wide range of conditions so its important to take each day for what it is and maximise what you can on each day. Some could be light, tricky, choppy high point scoring days where you have to push the line, think about the metres and stay clear. Others could be 20 knots, wavy, full send in the bay where just getting around the race course doing the basics well will put you in good shape. Remember in the Bay there is plenty of current, which can often be different from the top to bottom of the course. Good Luck!