14 Questions to … Pepe Perez

Pepe Perez, measurer and Snipe sailor from Spain - 1) Your first time on a sailing boat? I do not remember. From an early age enjoyed anything that would float in the Mar Menor, canoes, paddle boats, sailing with small engine and finally until I got to a wooden Snipe where I spent my youth. - 2) Your first time on a Snipe? It was in 1968 after my marriage. I had never competed in races but had purchased an older Snipe for cruising. One day while my friend and crew Pepe Palencia were touring, we saw a regatta out of a club in Los Nietos and we were "hooked." Soon, our enthusiasm took over... that was the "poison" that is still in my veins. - 3) The most bizarre thing that happened in a regatta? Master World Championships in Lago di Bracciano; a magnificent day of racing with sunny weather and moderate winds. Suddenly an ominous black cloud appeared along the peaks of the mountains surrounding the lake and within minutes the storm ensued. Heavy rain drops with tremendous force and hail; an infernal wind, zero visibility and unable to lower the sails ... it was too late! Paco Pérez, my crew and I fought against that storm and finally reached land when we got in to the ramp we found that we were the only ones who kept afloat and sailed back to land. Many said they capsized their boats-perhaps wisely-to protect them ...

14 Questions to … Pepe Perez Image

Pepe Perez, measurer and Snipe sailor from Spain

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

I do not remember. From an early age enjoyed anything that would float in the Mar Menor, canoes, paddle boats, sailing with small engine and finally until I got to a wooden Snipe where I spent my youth.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

It was in 1968 after my marriage. I had never competed in races but had purchased an older Snipe for cruising. One day while my friend and crew Pepe Palencia were touring, we saw a regatta out of a club in Los Nietos and we were “hooked.” Soon, our enthusiasm took over… that was the “poison” that is still in my veins.

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

Master World Championships in Lago di Bracciano; a magnificent day of racing with sunny weather and moderate winds. Suddenly an ominous black cloud appeared along the peaks of the mountains surrounding the lake and within minutes the storm ensued. Heavy rain drops with tremendous force and hail; an infernal wind, zero visibility and unable to lower the sails … it was too late!

Paco Pérez, my crew and I fought against that storm and finally reached land when we got in to the ramp we found that we were the only ones who kept afloat and sailed back to land.

Many said they capsized their boats-perhaps wisely-to protect them …

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

Committees and judges that do not do their job well.

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

Many years ago: In the final leg of a major event that we could have been champions, if we won the last race. On the second beat we arrived first and had a good lead in the first third of the leg, that was a very good feeling and we had a lot of speed and upwind security.

In the middle of the run, the wind stopped blowing, but only there! as we watched in despair as a small group of 5 or 6 boats remained with the same wind to reach … and there we were all together becalmed.

When blew again and we could not go ahead, but it is perhaps one of the most enjoyable races.

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

All have something good to remember. In all I’ve made good friends that are still there.

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

I never won a major championship, now thanks to the good crews that I face I do not expect to win it … but every day I dream of winning my next big race and watch the racing calendar.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2014, and beyond?

Not to miss any of the races you can participate

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

Fortunately there are many, and it would be difficult and unfair to mention: Félix Gancedo made me appreciate the competition, Paco Pérez taught me a lot about the Snipe Class; Pepe Sanchez and especially when I started indoctrinated me in the passion for Snipe.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

When I started, because my Fleet was the most interesting, then when I met him for many reasons, I will list a few:

It is a boat that requires a lot of technique and a lot of tactics, in which the crew has much to offer.

Not the best boat but IS THE BEST CLASS, which makes it easy to have great friends all over the world and always with a unique atmosphere.

You can sail your entire life. My good friend Paco Pérez has sailed the Snipe continuously for 60 years uninterrupted, I think it is a world record holder!

Allows crews of all ages and weight without being too physically demanding, unless you are seeking to win major championships. I have sailed with my wife as a crew member, then with my son, then my daughter and now with my grandchildren.

It’s a beautiful boat, sailing upwind has a wonderful feel.

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

The Real Club de Regatas de Santiago de la Ribera and the Mar Menor (Murcia) which usually have winds between 6 and 14 knots and temperatures even in winter are very mild

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

When I sail the Snipe, I also measure Snipes, study the rules of the Snipe, organize Snipe championships and do all kinds of repairs on my Snipe -TODO SNIPE (Everything Snipe).

– 13) Are you superstitious?

No

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Traveling with my family anywhere in the world where a good Snipe Championship is organized to participate in it or measure.

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