14 Questions to … Tiago Roquette

Tiago Roquette, from Oporto, a Snipe sailor in a family of Snipe sailors. He was just voted “Sniper of the Year”.

(photo courtesy of Nuno Machado)

 

First of all, I would like to congratulate you and your team for your fantastic work with this initiative.

– 1) Your first time on a sailing boat?

I’ve started sailing in optimist at the age of 7.

– 2) Your first time on a Snipe?

My first time on a snipe boat was crewing with my Dad when I was 15. After that, with 19 years old and 3 Snipe boats at home, my father Antonio, my brother Pedro and myself, we’ve started a very interesting “family fight” in almost all championships that we’ve raced.

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

In 1996 me and my brother Pedro, we were sailing the Portuguese Championship and at the last day we needed one first place to win the regatta. The wind that day decided to blow (about 25 knots) and our weight was 125 Kg. We knew that our chances were low that day. So we were praying for some light wind, when the port shroud broke 15 min before the start. Somehow the mast didn’t broke and I decided to go home. Forget the first race of the day and manage to come back for the second and last race was my idea. But, my brother (Mr. MacGyver) made a quick knot on our shroud, passed a rope on it and titled very strongly. We started on time and suddenly we had the faster boat going upwind that we never had tried. We won the two races of that day and the regatta.

 

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

Not racing for FUN AND PLEASURE!

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

The Worlds in 1993 Porto Alegre, with my great friend and crew Miguel Torrão.

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

None!

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

I’m starting right now, sailing with my son Salvador.

– 8) Sailing goals for 2014, and beyond?

Made some nice regattas with Salvador, and beyond that I need to talk this over with my wife:D

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

My father, my family and all my friends that had voted in the Sniper of the year!

– 10) Why the Snipe?

First of all because we are a friendly big family and the serious sailing, serious fun, says everything.

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

Somewhere between parallel 45 N and 45 S and sailing with 10 to 12 knots under 25º Celsius @ Snipe class.

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

Drinking!!!

– 13) Are you superstitious?

When I need.

– 14) Your perfect holiday?

With my family on a boat at the Culatra Island, the most beautiful place in Europe!