14 Questions to … Rafal Zakrzewski

From Poland Rafal Zakrzewski, East European Secretary

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

I started sailing when I was seven. It was a half century ago. At that time I sailed on a Cadet and a few years on a Finn – all wooden. The sails were made of canvas. It was the communism time and you could find a lot of poverty in Poland so sailing was not as easy as it is now.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

After a long break from sailing, in 2003 I finally bought a boat – class Omega (Polish class) and I sailed on it with my two children (Omega is a boat for 3 people). However, I always dreamed about an international class so in 2006 I bought my first Snipe. It was my first experience with Snipe class. I have been sailing Snipe continuously with great a passion since then.

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

Well.. During some regatta race on one of the Polish lakes, I was in the first position when suddenly I saw the buoy, I was sailing to, flowing to the canes. It turned out that a drunken thief was stealing the buoy. It was like a nightmare for me.

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

I always get irritated with long pauses between races. But what annoys and upsets me the most is when a race committee is not professional.

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

The nicest regatta for me was definitely the World Masters 2009 Championships in Trieste. Although sailing was very short due to a Bora hurricane, the atmosphere and organization were perfect. And of course, Bora was also a new experience for me. We were forced to sail to Slovenia. Without any doubt, I will also never forget the European Championship 2014 in Kamien Pomorski. I am proud that Poland has organized so professional and the highest level regatta, especially since I have received very positive feedback about it form Snipe sailors and others. I personally treat it as our great success.

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

Fortunately, I have only good and positive memories concerning sailing and regattas.

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

Well, I have some dreams… not to be the last one in the World Championships 2015 in Talamone

– 8) Sailing goals for 2015, and beyond?

I would like to repeat the result of third place in the Polish Championships 2014 next season.

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

I have a friend in my club, Yacht Club of Wielkopolska – Bogdan Kramer. He sailed on an Olympic class Tornado and was the multiple world champion and European champion in the yachting DN. He is always at the club to help us and gives good sailing advice to us. I also have very good friends Daniela and Fabio – the great sailors and promoters of the class Snipe. We met due to the Snipe class but now we are friends not only for sailing. I think it is another big positive side of sailing Snipe – you can make friends all around the world and share your passions and ideas with them.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

There are really a lot of reasons for which Snipe is worth sailing. I think one of the most important is a great family of Snipe sailors all over the world, quite demanding ‘in use’ but a forgiving boat and you need only one crew member to take part in the race

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

Well.. I think the most breathtaking Snipe sailing I had it was sailing in the snow-covered mountains in Caldonazzo last year. I enjoyed the really exceptional landscape (and weather conditions for May/June in Italy as well). Once I liked only strong winds, but now I prefer weak winds because of the old knees.

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

My children say that I am an active dad for my age. Twice a week I regularly play tennis with my friends. During winter I ski in Poland and Europe, especially I like skiing in the Sella Ronda. As I live outside the city I cycle regularly.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

No, I think what is to happen will happen. We should be open for changes as the life is dynamic and could surprise us with many great moments.

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Last year I was in Nepal and the Himalayas. It is a wonderful place on Earth. Definitely different than Europe.