“You can’t achieve anything without a good crew” – Boris Ostergren

Source: Veleiros do Sul

Multiple champion in sailing Boris Ostergren was also a teacher to many at Veleiros do Sul and beyond. Always helpful, he introduced, guided, and marked the sport of sailing for different generations. More than anyone, he knew the importance of collective effort on the way to the podium.

The quote, “You can’t achieve anything without a good crew” (“Não se consegue nada sem um bom proeiro” ), was spoken in an interview with the newspaper Folha da Tarde on February 3, 1979, after winning the 30th Brazilian Snipe Championship. But he did not win alone. When asked about the recognition of Ernesto Neugebauer, his crew and partner in many titles in the Snipe class, including the 1977 World Championship, Boris commented and affirmed that Ernesto was fundamental to the victory in the Brazilian and other championships. Check out the full excerpt:

FOLHA DA TARDE – Boris Ostergren, Brazilian champion. And what about Neugebauer — your crew — how does he figure into all of this? Just as a simple supporting actor?

OSTERGREN – Truly, this is an injustice that is committed. Nobody wins a regatta without a crew, without a good crew. There is a distorted view of things, in the sense that the helmsman is the one responsible for the victories, when in reality the matter should be considered as a crew, a unit where the functions complement each other. It’s clear that the helmsman’s ascendancy always exists. Even for a matter of age, since the crew is generally the person who is just starting out. But all decisions are discussed before they are made… but in case of doubt, the helmsman’s opinion almost always prevails.

The relationship between the two, however, has to be the best possible, both inside and outside of competition. Ernesto and I have sailed together for five years and we understand each other perfectly.

Read more:

Eight Bells: Boris Ostergren

Boris Ostergren and Arthur Correa in 1968