14 Questions to … Alex Juk

Alex Juk, WH&O General Secretary and Snipe sailor from Florianopolis, Brazil

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

My first time sailing was when I still in the womb aboard a HC14 with my mother and my father (january 1982)! After this I started as bowman in a 22 foot boat at the age of 12. I started as skipper at 15 at the optimist.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

I started in Snipes sailing with my father in october 1998 at 16 years old. During these days we were starting over with the 450 fleet in Parana with some friends.

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

So many things! Maybe when we lost a cap on the first upwind and found the cap on the last downwind.

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

Probably you will not see me angry. Maybe sad because of some external interference by adversary or non racing boat or unlucky with wind changes. The only thing that could make me me angry would be injustice.

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

Many races! Some races in big boats with my family. I remember especially when we won junior south american championship 2001.

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

When the boat sank! Two years ago with a storm. I turned the boat over when we tried to put down the main. After this the mast touched the sand and then happen the worst: a crack in the cockpit with the impact with the sand! The snipe went down very fast. It is impossible to forget!

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

SERIOUS SAILING, SERIOUS FUN. I would like to win some big regatta with many boats.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2014, and beyond?

Be faster! I have some races in view: Brazilian National (in my town Florianopolis), Southamerican, Alberto Linenburger Cup and WHO. I really like it when I see new people joining in the class.

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

The crew! Without them nobody can sail. My crew Piero Furlan and I sailed together since 1999. Sometime I also sail with others crew or myself as crew.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

For me Snipe is a family and a legend. I see that is fantastic when young guys can sail in same race with names like Paulo Santos, Ivan Pimentel, Augie Diaz and others. Also others great names and Olympians still sail the Snipe or learned to sail here: Grael, Robert Scheidt, Santiago Lange, Tunnicliffe … There are a lot of reasons: The Snipe is competitive among experienced and novice, and between professionals and non-professionals. I can see myself with advanced age sailing in snipes and having fun.

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

My local fleet (555-Florianopolis) has two perfect areas in downtown and at Jurere beach. Also I really love to sail in Esteve’s Lake in Criciuma (fleet 727) where the Alberto Lineburger Cup is; there are some hard winds without waves, really fun!

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

I practice swimming and I love climbing and surfing.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

No I am not superstitious. But I have my religion and I keep my way of life based in love of Christ.

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Perfect is what I have! I enjoyed the last summer vacation: I sailed every day with sun, went to the pool at my girlfriend’s house and went to the beach with my family.