14 Questions to … Damir Vranic

Damir Vranic, Snipe sailor from Rijeka, Croatia and National Secretary

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

It was Optimist in 85′ at the age of 8. I wanted to train football but I was to young so my grandfather took me to sailing club in Omisalj where his friend was coaching at that time …. and I never regret it!

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

It was in 2006 when I bought my first snipe from Enrico Michel. Bojan Grego bought first boat year or two earlier and I thought, this could be a great boat to start sailing small boats again. I never knew I will become so in love with it 🙂

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

Can’t think of something really bizarre but here is one nice story from one of my first days in Optimist. It’s to much to say I haven’t got any
idea what I have to do, but luckily it was calm so I floated around until coach went to pick us up. So he took us towing and of course I didn’t knew I have to hive up my daggerboard so it remained down and the “box” of course started to shake so much that it finally cracked and the water started to come in. Until we reach the pear I was already submerged 🙂 jumped into the water, swim ashore and went crying home. In the next days my optimist was fixed and I wen’t back to sea, this time with my daggerboard up when towing …

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

When I’m in a helpless situation and can’t do much about it.

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

Really every regatta stays in good memory. Some are good the others are better but I enjoy every single one of them.

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

None really. As mentioned every regatta I go to is a holiday for me, and holidays can’t be bad … almost …

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

Just to sail as much as possible.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2014, and beyond?

In 2014 I hope my work will allow me to go to Europeans. In the future apart from sailing as much as possible my goal is to increase the Class in Croatia.

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

Can’t say I have any ideals in sailing but I gladly remember my first coach Nikola Antoncic with whom I started sailing and especially my second coach Nikola Albaneze who really teach me sailing. In Snipe I like everybody!! and especially my friends from Trieste with whom I spend time on regattas and who helped us grow the class in Croatia (they know who they are …)

– 10) Why the Snipe?

When I quit sailing (on ships) I wanted to sail again but not only big boats. Then I saw Bojan Grego who brought Snipe and he said this could be a nice class for me, let’s try! Now I sail snipe as I have so much fun sailing and enjoying in everything around the class.

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

Wherever there is good people and good atmosphere there will be a good venue. I prefer moderate to stronger wind without to much wave; grrrr. I hate waves

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

I play darts for almost 15 years now, and of course I like football! I’m a big fan and an ultras lol that likes to travel around with his team.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

I don’t think I am but I also can’t say I never did foolish things so maybe a little

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

I would like to say sailing during the day and a good football mach in the evening but I prefer spending my time with my family especially with my son Luka.