Interview with Raul Rios, 2017 Snipe World Champion
(Photo courtesy of Matias Capizzano) How did you prepare for the Worlds? For Worlds, Mac and I started talking about making a plan in order to be able to compete at such high level. Our plan came into effect once we sailed the Commodore Rasco in Miami. Since then, we set out to sail three events hoping conditions would vary and we could work on our weaknesses. At the end, we only practice four days in Puerto Rico, two days in Fort Lauderdale and three regattas together. For Mac it was all about working on boat handling, while for me was all about working together in order to develop good speed around the course. ...
(Photo courtesy of Matias Capizzano)
How did you prepare for the Worlds?
For Worlds, Mac and I started talking about making a plan in order to be able to compete at such high level. Our plan came into effect once we sailed the Commodore Rasco in Miami. Since then, we set out to sail three events hoping conditions would vary and we could work on our weaknesses. At the end, we only practice four days in Puerto Rico, two days in Fort Lauderdale and three regattas together. For Mac it was all about working on boat handling, while for me was all about working together in order to develop good speed around the course.
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Did you have a coach or a local expert in La Coruna?
Coaching us in A Coruña was Ramon Oliden from Argentina. Ramon is a great coach and even better person. While we had everything set during our practice days, Ramon was all about keeping us informed, being professional and having fun out on the water.
Can you describe how difficult was sailing in the Bay of La Coruna?
Sailing in A Coruña might have been one of the hardest racing courses I have experienced. Some of the reasons why it was such a hard event was the competitiveness of the fleet, the variability of each upwind and to some extent how we woke up every day to a new wind direction. In order to be able to manage all this, we took things step by step and kept a cool mind no matter what happened.
For the last day, our strategy did not change. We talked about executing our race plan and controlling what we could. There is a certain moment when things can get out of your control and you can forget to go back to basics in tense situations.
Can you describe your equipment?
Our equipment was composed of my new DB-R1 from DB Marine and North Sails. DB Marine has worked hard on making a good boat and we are now seeing those results. I am extremely happy with their product and North Sails as well. We keep our tuning simple and North Sails has worked on their tuning guide a lot. Those numbers are what our base numbers, the rest is just feeling.
Your program for the future?
For now, my focus is on getting into Med-School and extending my sailing career as long as I can. I do not have a concrete plan, but the Snipe class will always be family.
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