Interview with Mateus Tavares, 2015 Snipe World Champion

How did you prepare for the Worlds? Did you train a lot and where? Wich type of preparation did you do? Did you sail and train with other brazilian teams? I had a very intensive preparation for the last two Worlds before Talamone (Rungsted and Rio). For Talamone I had less preparation, just 02 major events in Brasil and some local regatas in Salvador, my home town. In the last month before the Worlds I sailed once a week. I'm a Stand Up paddler since 2013 and also compete in this sport. I'm sure this also helped me stay physically strong. How many years have you sailed the Snipe? How long have you sailed with Gustavo? Did you sail with Gustavo or also with other crews? Snipe since 2008 and with Gustavo since january 2015. This year only with Gustavo, but with many other crews since I began in Snipe Class. Did you sail only Snipe or also others boats? Before 2008 I sailed Optimist, Europe Class and Laser, but now only Snipe. (Photo courtesy of Matias Capizzano) ...

Interview with Mateus Tavares, 2015 Snipe World Champion Image

How did you prepare for the Worlds? Did you train a lot and where? Wich type of preparation did you do? Did you sail and train with other brazilian teams?

I had a very intensive preparation for the last two Worlds before Talamone (Rungsted and Rio). For Talamone I had less preparation, just 02 major events in Brasil and some local regatas in Salvador, my home town.

In the last month before the Worlds I sailed once a week. I’m a Stand Up paddler since 2013 and also compete in this sport.

I’m sure this also helped me stay physically strong.

How many years have you sailed the Snipe? How long have you sailed with Gustavo? Did you sail with Gustavo or also with other crews?

Snipe since 2008 and with Gustavo since january 2015. This year only with Gustavo, but with many other crews since I began in Snipe Class.

Did you sail only Snipe or also others boats?

Before 2008 I sailed Optimist, Europe Class and Laser, but now only Snipe.

(Photo courtesy of Matias Capizzano)

11232181 646756828795051 5597445843642326954 n

Do you have a coach in Brazil and did you have a coach or a local expert in Talamone?

In Brasil we have an Argentinian coach in our Yacht Club, Ricardo Robiano. In Talamone we had Henrique Haddad, brazilian 470 expert sailor that supported all Brazilian team on water.

Bahia and Talamone: what are the differences?

We usualy don’t have light winds in Salvador-Bahia, but when the wind went up (+12 knots) race conditions were very similar. A huge difference is that we have a lot of current in Salvador.

Did you use in Talamone a DBR1? Can you tell us something about this Snipe?

Yes I used DBR1. An excellent boat, fast in all conditions. Despite the world title I consider that I have still have a lot to learn about Snipe Class boat. I can say I felt the boat was very fast downwind and on reaches.

You sail with Olimpic Sails. Did you develop new sails for the Worlds? What is your feedback regarding Olimpic?

Yes I used Oilimpic Sails. No, I just asked Xandi Paradeda for new sails for the worlds! Olimpic and Pro Nautic always suported me and helped me develop my understanding about the Snipe, a very peculiar boat to sail in my opinion.

“Secret numbers”?

I don’t think they are secret, but there they go: 6m50cm strong wind / 6m53cm medium wind / 6m56 light wind / 21 tension

12038312 972550436136829 2327766908993769006 nWhat was the most important factor for the victory of the Worlds? Can you describe your week in Talamone and how did you manage this long week of sailing?

Me and Gustavo were very strong physically. I put a lot of pressure on myself in the last two Worlds and this was not good at all. I went to Talamone to have fun, sail the best I could and the result would be a consequence.

Even at the last day I put in my mind that I just had to do what I normally do in weekend races. Gustavo with his youth and good vibe, helped me a lot! I think this was the formula to sail calm. The finish overall was a consequence of all this.

Do you have a person to whom dedicated your victory at the Worlds?

There are so many people to thanks. Everybody who helped me in all my sailing career. But I choose dedicate this Title to my grandfather, Helio. He’s no longer here with us, but I’m sure he could feel our victory where ever he is!

Your program for the future (Snipe, sailing in general … your life …)?

I just hope I can keep sailing Snipe in a competitive way for a long time! Just like the “monster” Augie Diaz, a great example for me!

Share

0 comments

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Your comment will be revised by the site if needed.