14 Questions to … Fernando Madureira

Fernando Madureira, Brazilian National Secretary and Snipe sailor

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

I was 11 years old at 1987. At ICRJ sailing school, in the same class was Bruno Bethlem. Dante was our freshman, only a semester after us.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

My first time was crewing for a friend in 1991 and I bought my first snipe at 1993.

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

In 1995 , at Mar del Plata, Argentina, crewing for Mauricio Santa Cruz (Santinha) in a heavy wind day, we capsize down and down there and around were some sealions.

…

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

It is boring to wait to much for race starts , but what I don’t like must is, when guys hit boys or don’t give the right of way …

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

Sailing and race are a great pleasure for me ! And the kind of pleasure become different within the time. At very beginning beat an Idol was a amazing experience , as in 1994 Braziian Nationals (that I finished second with Mauricio Santa Cruz) and Torben Grael was sailing there. My first Worlds (1994 IYRU words in La Rochelle, France) sailing with Ivan Pimentel in J24, in that race I knew Robert Scheidt, Santiago Lange … In all this years I had lots of good moments crewing and as a skipper. By now race with Pedro (my son) is the coolest !

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

Santinha and me lost the 1994 South American Championship at last leg of the last race … Bruno Bethlem and me in Brazilian National’s 2001 in Vitória. We were so strong, the fastest boat and self confident that we underestimated the wind (plus than 25 knots) and capsized down twice and lost the championship.

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

I used to have two dreams: Snipe Worlds and an a Olympic participation. I think that the second will be at least as a doctor (editor’s note: Fernando is a doctor).

– 8) Sailing goals for 2014, and beyond?

At 2014, I want to race with Pedro (my son) and I think that we can do this in a good level.

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

Ivan Pimentel and Paulo Santos are always good friends and example for all snipe sailors.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

The Snipe is a boat that we can race in a competitive way for many years. In Brazil we had good boat builders and a affordable price. I was 17 when I bought my first Thor snipe, I’m now 38 years. I sailed Penguin, 470, Laser, J24, Finn. However only in Snipe class a feel like a family, having serious and competitive race with real friends.

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

Cabo Frio and Buzios at Rio de Janeiro. I like strong wind and waves !

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

Running, 8-10 km three times a week.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

No

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Sailing at summer! In Guanabara bay!