Meet the fleet #17 - Hugo Revil and Karl Devaux (FRA)
by International 29er Class 7 Dec 2023 03:01 PST
Hugo Revil and Karl Devaux (FRA) © Yohan Brandt
How old are you both?
Hugo: I'm 18
Karl: I'm 18
Tell us an interesting fact about yourselves?
Our first sail in a 29er was in 15+ knots, our crew weighed 100kg, but despite the many times we were knocked over, the two of us had a lot of fun discovering the 29er.
Why 29er?
We did between 5 and 8 years of Optimist. In our last year of Optimist, we were selected for the European Optimist Championship in Crozon in 2019. It was during the Optimist competitions that we decided to build our 29er crew. The 29er is a modern, fast, highly technical, demanding boat that retains all aspects of racing tactics and strategy.
How long have you sailed the 29er?
In September 2019, we sailed together for the first time in a 29er. The first year was short because of Covid19 with less training and very few international competitions. Since 2021 we've been following the 29er Eurocup circuit and the World and European Championships.
Who/what has inspired your successes/inspires you?
Hugo: I started 29er sailing inspired by my big brother, Théo R. Great names like Eric Tabarly, Nathan Outteridge and Peter Burling are the main athletes who inspired me to take up sailing.
Karl: People like Peter Burling inspire me in my sporting career. Francois Gabart is an exceptional sailor who also inspired me to take up sailing.
What are your strengths as a team? Who does what job in the boat and what are you both good at?
We are mainly strong on technique - Hugo is in charge of wind and opponent tactics. Karl's job is to get the boat moving as fast as possible.
Why do you think you've been so successful in the 29er and what are your future goals in the class?
The main quality contributing to our success is that we have a really good training center in La Baule. We've worked really hard over the past four years in 29er to achieve our results. Our last common goal is the Youth World Sailing in Brazil from December 8 to 15. After this we're both moving up to the 49er in 2024, but unfortunately due to our size, we won't be sailing together but with two different crew members.
Do you have any top tips for people just starting in the 29er, for fellow sailors, and for those looking to improve their performance for next year?
Hugo: The most important thing in sailing is to spend as much time as possible on the water and to know why you're going out there.
Karl: It's important to prepare your equipment well and to prepare yourself physically to perform well on the water.
What are your future sailing goals, dreams and ambitions?
Karl: I'd like to be selected to take part in the Olympic Games.
Hugo: Also the Olympic Games and to take part in an America's Cup project.