14 Questions to … Anders Kongstad

Anders Kongstad from the Espergaerde Snipe Fleet, Denmark. He joined an international competition of the Snipe Class for the first time in 2021 at the European Championship in Split, Croatia, where he finished 8th, sailing with his crew Jakob Sorensen. They are among the teams to keep an eye on in the coming years.

14 Questions to … Anders Kongstad Image
Photo courtesy of Hrvoje Duvancic

Anders Kongstad from the Espergaerde Snipe Fleet, Denmark. He joined an international competition of the Snipe Class for the first time in 2021 at the European Championship in Split, Croatia, where he finished 8th, sailing with his crew Jakob Sorensen. They are among the teams to keep an eye on in the coming years.

1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

My debut in the Optimist dinghy when I was 9 years old. It was a windy spring day, and I vividly remember the overwhelming feeling of trying to steer this very responsive little powerhouse of a boat. 

2) Your first time on a Snipe?

In 2004. I was still sailing Optimist, but my friend and I had the opportunity to borrow a Snipe and race with some of the experienced Snipe sailors from the club. In the first practice race, we nailed the start, but in our attempt to tack and cross the fleet, I managed to slip out of the hiking strap – causing a backflip and a cold swim. We finished last. 

3) The most bizarre thing that happened in a regatta?

Witnessing the very creative positioning methods on the starting line at the Lake Garda Optimist Easter Regatta.

4) What is the thing that most angers you in a race/regatta?

When we are not able to find speed – especially sailing downwind in light winds.  

5) Which is the race/regatta that you remember with the most pleasure?

This is a difficult one. But looking back, one regatta in particular stays top of mind. It was in 2019, and I was traveling to Antwerpen from Copenhagen with Christian Andersen (DEN), Maria Örn (SWE) and Jakob Kryger Sørensen (DEN) to participate in what turned out to be a fantastic experience on Lake Galgenweel. Not because of the result – Jakob and I really struggled in the insanely shifty Galgenweel wind – but because we met the friendliest people and witnessed an inclusive, vibrant sailing environment like no other. A local family from the club invited us to stay at their home, and everyone treated us like we were part of the Galgenweel sailing family. 

6) And the race/regatta you would like to forget?

Don’t remember.  

7) Your “dream in the peak”? (Your sailing dream?)

To continue sailing and racing with good friends.

8) Sailing goals for 2023, and beyond?

I’m coaching some very cool and talented Optimist kids in Copenhagen – looking forward spending time with them on the water this year. The Snipe European Championship in Gargnano is also top priority. 

9) The most important people for you in sailing and in the Snipe?

My dad. He introduced me to sailing and has paved the way to a life with many memorable experiences. Another important person is my good friend Jakob Kryger Sørensen. On the way home from a J70 regatta in 2018, Jakob convinced me to join the Snipe fleet in Espergærde, and we’ve been a team ever since. Finally, Christian Andersen (fastest Snipe sailor in Denmark) and Henrik Andersen (also very fast). They have been key in teaching us to tune the Snipe in various conditions. 

10) Why the Snipe?

It’s a competitive class with regattas all over the world. 

11) Your perfect sailing venue and your perfect sailing conditions?

Espergærde, Denmark – on a warm summer day, 20 knots SE wind. 

12) Besides sailing which other sport do you practice?

Running, basketball, snowboarding.  

13) Are you superstitious?

Can’t deny the fact that I’m talking to the wind from time to time. 

14) Your perfect holiday?

Last year, my friends and I sailed from A Coruña to Malaga with pitstops in Muxia, Sanxenxo, Porto, and Cascais. To me, that’s a perfect holiday. 

Share

0 comments

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Your comment will be revised by the site if needed.