Vettel admits close call on SailGP voyage: "Nearly toppled overboard"
Experience of a Lifetime: A Sailor's Perspective
A 38-year-old sailor, speaking to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, shared his remarkable experiences from a high-speed training trip off the coast of Los Angeles, two years ago.
The sailor, who almost fell off the boat during the first turn, found the experience to be unlike anything he had ever encountered before. The raw power of the sail propelling the boat forward surprised him, and he described the speed on the water as being unique.
As the boat lifted onto its foils, the sailor was amazed. He found it fantastic when the boat started to fly, and the experience of the boat flying on the water was, in his words, fantastic. The individual was also impressed by the boat's high cornering speeds, which added to the overall exhilaration of the experience.
The sailor described the symphony of teamwork required to handle the boat at speeds up to 60 mph. Every role, from driver to strategist to grinders, must work perfectly in harmony. The physical and mental demands of combined scientific training and on-water practice were challenging but rewarding.
The sailor also spoke about the thrill mixed with the challenge of mastering advanced hydrofoil sailing technology and navigating coastal conditions. The immersive integration of athletic discipline, technology, and the dynamic ocean environment made the experience both physically exhausting and mentally exhilarating.
Compared to typical leisure boating experiences, this training trip was marked by the intensity, speed, and teamwork of a professional-level training and racing environment. The sailor left the experience with a profound respect for the sport and his teammates.
References:
- U.S. SailGP team describes sailing a 50-foot foiling catamaran at speeds up to 60 mph as a complex, symphonic coordination
- High-tech training programs, supported by facilities like the Red Bull High Performance Center in Los Angeles, combine scientific evaluation and practical sailing to push sailors’ endurance and skill further than typical recreation
- These sailor impressions are marked by the intensity, speed, and teamwork of a professional-level training and racing environment, unlike simple speedboat rides or sightseeing cruises offered in the region
In contrast to the usual French Riviera golf outings, the sailor found the exhilaration of high-speed sailing off the coast of Los Angeles to be a more extraordinary French sports experience. The boat's ability to fly above the water at speeds up to 60 mph reminded him of the thrill that comes with mastering advanced sports technology, comparable to the precision required in golf.
