14 Questions to … Naoki Inoue

Naoki Inoue, 32 years of sailing Snipes

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

My first time was on a Snipe. I began with the club activities in high school, at 15 years old. That yacht club is notorious for its hard training. I remember that I capsized on the first day.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

It is the same as the above. I have been sailing Snipe for 32 years.

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

It is to have hit a tortoise near the start.

…

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

When competitors and race Committees do not follow the rules.

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

2012 Western hemisphere and Orient championship in Argentina. I had been sailing the Snipe for a long time, but this was the first time that I participated in an international regatta of the Snipe.

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

There is no race that I want to forget. The time for yacht racing is an important memory for me.

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

World Champion!! When the dream is not big, it is not fun.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2015, and beyond?

Participate in this summer’s world championships in Talamone, Italy. And get a prize.

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

Daishi Kawakubo. He is my crew.

Augie Diaz. At the age of 30, I quit my competitive career in sailing. When I was over 40 years old, I watched his activity by an article of the Internet. And I decided to return to a competition for the world championship.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

Because it is a very prosperous class in Japan, with high-level championships and many races and many boats that include many of my good friends. I am charmed by the beautiful form of the Snipe.

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

Enoshima Japan. As long as there is wind, it is perfect anytime.

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

I like both playing and watching golf. Golf and sailing are similar. It is a fight with nature and oneself.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

No. However, I take good care of a boat. I wipe it down after sailing every day.

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Serious Sailing, and spend the time with the family.