14 Questions to … Ricardo Lobato

Ricardo Lobato – aka Blu – Snipe sailor from Rio de Janeiro and SCIRA Vice-Commodore

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

I took the regular Optimist course at Iate Clube do Rio de Janeiro. My first teacher was Bibi Juetz. I remember that I was not good in stopping the boat and, one day, I sailed directly under the pier breaking the mast.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

I had about 12 years old and my optimist’s coach (Charles Viviane – Pardal) invited me for a ride. I was completely lost on the boat and he never invited me again. I started crewing for Mario Simões one year later.

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

I have many bizarre stories… In a local regatta, I accidentally knockout Mario Simões at the jibe mark. He passed out on the floor of the boat. I managed to sail the boat (actually I gained a couple of positions) and he woke up just before rounding the next mark.

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

I am pretty calm. But, I don’t like too many general recalls.

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

It was my first international event, the ISAF Youth Worlds in Lake Garda in 1993 (I sailed Laser). Another one was the Taça Cidade de Vitória in 1987. It was the first time I travelled by myself. I sailed in a wooden Penguin. The wind was very strong and it was amazing. In the Snipe Class, I will never forget one South of Brazil regional championship in Florianopolis. I was sailing with Alexandre Tinoco and we were very fast downwind, sailing completely different angles from the rest of the fleet.

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

It was a Laser regatta in Ilhabela. It rained a lot and there was no wind. We had to return everyday in the night rowing the boat in the middle of ship channel with a strong current.

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

I have never done many plans in sailing. I have just picked up the opportunities. My dream now is to get back to my Snipe weight.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2013, and beyond?

To have some sailing time with my daughter. I also would like to keep helping to organize the class like other ones did for me.

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

In Laser there are a lot of amazing sailors who were also good engineers: Peter Tanshiedt, Marcus Temke, Pedro Bulhões… They were an important reference for me. In Snipe, Mario Simões introduced me to all the legends. Niels Ostergren was one of them. I bought my first jib from him and he actually taught me how to make it in his loft.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

Is there any other class? I am serious. I have tried almost all the other boats. There are some very nice. Some of them can fly. But nothing is compared with planning over 173kg chine boat. The boat is easy to sail. Anyone who give a good start and do the right thing will be on top at the first upwind mark. So, this is a perfect 2nd boat for everyone. The class is very strong in Brazil and we have many opportunities to race here and abroad. Everybody helps everybody. For example, last year, I was travelling to Salvador for working and I got a weekend free. I did one phone call and a friend organized a boat and a crew for me to race there. This is something you can’t find in any other class.

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

The perfect sailing venue is Cabo Frio. I like sailing in strong winds and waves, but I also find fun to sail in light, shifting and puff conditions like Niteroi or Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. In Rio, I like the traditional south breeze with flooding tide.

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

Unfortunately, I can’t find much time for other sports. I used to cycle a lot when I was younger. More recently, I was trying to play tennis, but it is very boring to learn. My wife introduced me to ski last year. But of course, this is a sport we can’t practice in Brazil.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

No creo en brujas, pero que las hay, las hay. (I do not believe in witches, but there are, there are)

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Travelling with my daughter.