14 Questions to … Kathleen Tocke

Kathleen Tocke, Snipe sailor, sailor and … skier

1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

My mother bought a Lightning. For my first sail, I brought a blanket, doll, and book because I thought it was a keelboat. I still insisted on sleeping under the deck.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

I was 17. Some friends from my university sailing team invited me to race in the Don Q and in Nassau. None of us had sailed Snipes before. We were so bad! I did not sail a Snipe again until many years later.

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

My second Snipe regatta. It was a day in Nassau when there was no wind. While waiting for wind, people were swimming in the water and I remember the Race Committee boat was passing around conch salad. The Race Committee decided to cancel racing and tow the boats to shore. My friends threw me a tow-line and decided that I should tow behind the boats in the water. I was wearing a bikini with a bandeau top (no straps). They started to tow much faster than I expected. My bikini top started to slip down, so I used one hand to keep the bikini top on. Then my bikini bottoms went to my ankles. I had to let go of the tow-line, so I didn’t loose my suit in Mantagu Bay. They had to stop the tow and I went back to shore in the Race Committee boat – eating great conch salad.

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

When young sailors do not respect the rules.

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

During the 2004 Europe Dinghy Olympic Trials in Ft. Lauderdale. I won a race by 4 minutes. I attribute the win to something I learned from Andy Pimental – patience. Peter Commette was the windward mark boat and came to cheer at the finish. We celebrated that night with champagne and lots of red wine. I was the only sailor besides the Trials winner to win races.

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

The first step to forgetting is not thinking about it!

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

Olympics

– 8) Sailing goals for 2013, and beyond?

2013 – Sail in Italy as much as possible, Top 5 at Snipe Worlds, improve my big fleet skills in the RSX.

2043- I want to be like Bibi Juetz – still racing the Snipe around the world with really hot young crews in Speedos.

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

Jody Swanson (2-time US Women’s Rolex Yachtwoman of the Year, former US 470 Team, Pan Am medalist in Lighting and 470) – she was my junior coach in Buffalo and great role model.

Andy Pimental – brought me into the Snipe Class and won my first Nationals with him. He treats a crew better than anyone I have sailed with.

Augie Diaz – learned so much about racing tactics and making a boat go fast.

The Newport Laser Fleet 413 (Andy Pimental and Ed Adams are members) – my biggest sailing supporters for years, encouraged me in Snipe and Olympic sailing.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

1. I like to hike

2. it is an international” family” of great sailors.

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

I love lots of wind and BIG waves.

The Buffalo Canoe Club is the perfect sailing venue – warm water, beach, ocean-like big waves when it blows, and great pommes frites at the club.

Favorite venues: Lake Garda, La Rochelle, Nassau, & Quebec City.

12) Besides sailing which other sport do you practice?

Skiing and yoga. I wish I had time for golf and hiking in the mountains.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

Not really, but I do think about which toilet I use each day at the club before racing. If I had a good day, then I use the same toilet the next day. I think this strategy works very well and has a great influence on my race!

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Skiing with friends in the Alps.