14 Questions to … Jean Jacques Frebault

Jean Jacques Frebault, Snipe sailor from Claouey, France - 1) Your first time on a sailing boat? In 1972 I was 8 in the sailing school in Claouey. It was on a wooden Optimist. I still remember my first start from the beach, driven by the wind, without any noise. Fantastic. - 2) Your first time on a Snipe? Still in Claouey, around 1974, they were looking for a crew. I said yes and that's it, I was addicted. - 3) The most bizarre thing that happened in a regatta? In 1982 in Trieste, it was my first European championship with my friend Eric Berron. We were going nicely to the race area, there were 3 or 4 knots, and in few seconds the "Bora" rose up, there were at least 40 knots, a lot of damages, but no one injured (I think so). ...

14 Questions to … Jean Jacques Frebault Image

Jean Jacques Frebault, Snipe sailor from Claouey, France

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

In 1972 I was 8 in the sailing school in Claouey. It was on a wooden Optimist. I still remember my first start from the beach, driven by the wind, without any noise. Fantastic.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

Still in Claouey, around 1974, they were looking for a crew. I said yes and that’s it, I was addicted.

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

In 1982 in Trieste, it was my first European championship with my friend Eric Berron. We were going nicely to the race area, there were 3 or 4 knots, and in few seconds the “Bora” rose up, there were at least 40 knots, a lot of damages, but no one injured (I think so).

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

I have been practicing Snipe for over 40 years and I am still doing beginner errors. Very annoying.

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

Regatta in snipe are always a real pleasure but my best memories are with my son Justin in Valencia and Pori in 2006.

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

I try to remember but actually I only keep good memories.

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

As soon as the water and the wind are not too cold it’s good.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2014, and beyond?

Some regattas in Spain; the national in Le Havre, where I hope we will be numerous; and if it’s OK the European championship in Poland.

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

All of my crews have been important, Eric Berron, Gilles Boisaubert, Fred Boutarel, Cyril Laprébendère; without them nothing would have been possible.

But my favorite skipper remains my son Justin.

For the Snipe, Jan Persson has always been able to modernized the boat.

For the class, Pietro Fantoni makes us aware of the big international Snipe family.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

Because of my work (sail maker) I sailed with many boats : Laser, 470, Dragon, J24, J80, Melges 24, Platu 25, Mumm 30, 8MJI, IRC, IMOCA, etc. But the snipe remains the best one : maximum of pleasure with minimum of complication.

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

When there are a lot of snipe, no matter the wind, it’s perfect for me.

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

Running, biking, gym… Not enough though.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

Of course not, it brings bad luck.

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

A walk in the forest far away from the sea, but I still haven’t got time for it.

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