14 Questions to … Dante Bianchi

Dante Bianchi, from Rio de Janeiro, is the current Snipe World Champion (2013) with his skipper Bruno Bethlem. He also won the 2009 Snipe Worlds, the WH&O (2008-2012) and many times the Brazilian Nationals. Now he is sailing 49er as skipper.

(photo courtesy of John Payne)

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

I was born practically on a sailboat. I say this because the first time I left home (at 1 month old) was to go (in a speedboat ) to Angra dos Reis (a group of islands in the southern state of Rio de Janeiro ).

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

I sailed for the first time in a Snipe while still in the Optimist, between 12 and 13 years old. I began to compete with the Snipe Master Ivan Pimentel at 15 years old.

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

I believe that was sailing in Optimist in Victoria (city 500 km north of Rio). When we arrived at the club we had to take out (with pliers !!! ) the teeth of a fish or shark that bit the helm! For a child of 12 years it was scary to go back in the water the next day.

…

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

There are 2 things : a. Make a stupid mistake; b . View an opponent making infractions.

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

Pan American Games in Santo Domingo. The last race was exciting and we won the championship on the last downwind , when we came third, after being in last.

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

I do not remember

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

The current dream is to compete in one Olympic Games, and to get there with a medal chance.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2014-5, and beyond?

I’m currently away from the Snipe class to attempt to qualify for Olympic Games in rio de janeiro. The next goals are: to be the first Brazilian in the 49er class, being among the top 15 in the world.

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

The most important people to me were (and are) those who might influence me directly. The list is very large but in particular:

a. Cintia and Lula: My first teachers

b. Ivan Pimentel, Paulo Santos and Bibi Juetz: great teachers and above all friends

c. Bruno Bethlem: nothing to say

d. Alexandre Paradeda: our major “enemy”, perhaps the person who most encouraged us to move on.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

In Brazil, in 1996, when as a child I quit Opti I had three options: stop sailing, sail laser, and sail snipe. Thus it seemed logical to go to the Snipe.

Amidst this stage still we were lucky to find Lemão (Kurt Dimmer), with the crazy idea to make boats (snipe) super affordable. I also counted on Ivan to teach me a lot, and show me how to sail to snipe.

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

Snipe: 14-16 knt in Cabo Frio, with 32 ° C, and water clean and green.

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

I never had time for other sports. Currently I am very good at changing diapers.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

No, but respect who is

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

In a boat or motorboat, 40 feet or more, in Angra dos Reis with many friends, making barbecue and drinking beer all day. I’m still not an
alcoholic.

Photo credits: Jorge Cousillas (1-9), Fred Hoffmann (2-3-4-5-7-8), Michele Postinghel (6), John Payne (10)