14 Questions to … Andre Callot

Andre Callot, Snipe sailor and NS from Belgium

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

Late 1966 – 22 years old. Bought a Vaurien with a friend. The guy who sold us the boat stepped the mast in sails up and we started sailing with a lot of wind. Never sailed before. We survived.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

1970 – with a friend who owned a Snipe and asked me be his helmsman. Name of the boat SOFA. So lot of fun.

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

With this owner. We capsized on a windy day during a race on the north sea with big waves. After I rightened the boat no crew to see. Fortunately another Snipe picked him up somewhere.

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

People who don’t stick to the rules on the starting line and marks.

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

Master world championship, Bracciano 2004, Italy.

 

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

Can’t remember one.

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

Get younger again to start it all over. Seems impossible. So a dream.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2014, and beyond?

Sail more through Europe and join the Europeans in Poland.

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

Too many to mention them all. Of course all my Belgian Snipe sailors and sure Jan and Jane Persson who meant a lot for the class the last 30 years.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

Strong boat. Last long. Very tactical. Fantastic sailors around the world with a lot of friendship after the races. Serious sailing, serious fun.

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

Scharendijke / The Netherlands. 9-12 knots of wind. The place where we organize our championships.

– 12) Besides sailing which other sport do you practice?

As a good Belgian. Bicycling.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

No

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

A Snipe regatta in the sun.