14 Questions to … Raul de Valenzuela

Raul de Valenzuela Santaella, Snipe sailor from Almeria, Spain, current European Champion

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

The first time I sailed was at age 8 in Almeria Sea Club with my brother Adolfo, we joined a sailing school together.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

The first time I sailed on a Snipe was with my brother Adolfo. My father bought a Snipe for my brother and we sailed together, I crewed.

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

I think I have seen many strange things in my career, but the one that hurt the most was in 1999 at the World Junior Snipe Championship in Almería (my home).

In the last leg, I was leading and we had a very rare wind; I was without wind and the Argentine passed me and won the Championship; which hurt very much.

 

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

I don’t support injustice; sometimes i see unpleasant things in races like when the Race Committee changes the race course without reason or giving evidence when the conditions are favorable for sailing, or when competitors don’t respect the rules or follow the code of ethcis that allows us to sail well.

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

They were three races that have marked my life, 1st the 2000 Spanish Championship which I won. My mother was very ill and I dedicated it to her. 2nd The World Junior Championship that I won in 2001 was one of the most wonderful that happened to me in life. 3rd finally the 2012 European Championship (Cervia). My father had just died, and it seems that when things get tough in my life I get the better me.

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

A Snipe European Championship in Norway in 2000, I hated it, very cold, different race course every day, poor organization, etc. …

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

Winning the Snipe Worlds someday. I would be the second Spanish to get it, so far it has won the GRAN FELIX GANCEDO.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2014, and beyond?

Now I rest and recover some back problems that I have. In the coming year I hope to prepare well for the European Championship. It would be a dream to win it again.

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

My father and my brother Adolfo have been very important persons in my life. They always supported me and took me to the first regattas when I had no driver’s license. Also my mother and my sister.

My wife supports me and encourages me to continue with fitness training and navigation, my crewmember Antolin pull me to train every day (he is very large), Carlos Llamas taught me almost everything I know and taught me to compete, my friend and brother Pepe Latorre and finally, Fran Ramirez is my sail designer and the person who helped me in 2010 when I was about to leave, all these people have made me the sailor who I am today.

– 10) Why the Snipe?

In my club, Club de Mar Almeria there is much tradition in this class. I have the good fortune of sharing a club with some of the best national and international sailors. My President Juan Jose Fernandez was Junior World Champion in the Snipe, Alejandro Fresneda is a tireless companion and great sailor, his brother Paul was Champion of Europe, and many more.

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

Almería, wind from west 15 knots and waves of 1.5 m

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

Currently I had to leave almost all sports due to back problems, but I love mountain biking, running, swimming, paddle tennis, motorcycling, I love all sports.

– 13) Are you superstitious?

Yes, I sail always wearing the same clothes, rig the boat in the same way every day, breakfast the same, keep the same schedule, and much more …

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

Going to the mountains with my woman and my dogs to walk, shutting off the world, disconnecting the phone and enjoying nature.