Following the enormous achievement of the Argentine sailing team Paprikacomposed of Ramiro Clemente Diaz (29), Javier Santos (48) and Lourdes Santos (17), who were crowned champions in the “Micro Sailing World Championship” played in France, Scope dialogue with one of the protagonists.
In an exclusive chat with Javier Andres Santosthe most experienced member of the world champion team, the sailor told how the unforgettable experience they had last week in French territory was. The Argentine team of the Palermo Sports Yacht Club had the support of Scope as a media partner.
The highest level competition was on the Carcans Maubuisson circuit, it lasted five days, with 61 boats registered and 172 participants from countries such as Germany, Belgium, Italy, Poland and Franceamong others. In addition, it had three different types of vessels: Prototypes, Cruisers and Racers.
What was the experience of the Argentine world champion sailing team like, in first person
With the world sailing champion trophy in his possession, Javier Santos He admitted that his expectations and those of the team were not that high before arriving in France. “We had set ourselves two or three goals before leaving Argentina. We said we would be among the top 10 in the World Cup because it was our first experience at that level.”he said in a conversation with Ámbito.
However, the wind blew in their favour and everything began to change when they received the boat they used in the competition. “When we arrived in France, the boat we had rented surprised us. It was a little different from the ones we were used to in Argentina, more modern. We did two days of training, we tested ourselves alone and against other boats, and we realized that our boat was very fast.”Santos said.
“After the first race we couldn’t believe it, we were in first place. We said ‘well it was the first day, coincidence, what do I know’. The second day too and we were surprised. We started to think ‘it’s not a coincidence'”he added.
Santos highlighted the treatment they received in France and the story of how they got the ship that consecrated them. “The people were very friendly and we had a good relationship with everyone. The people who gave us the boat were Poles, who transported it from their country to France. It was 2,500 kilometres so that we could race.”
As for the competition, Paprika He started with the logical nerves of the occasion, but with a remarkable capacity for recovery, key to the final victory. “We were very nervous on the day of the start. Besides, the level was very good, it’s not easy”.
The fleet, made up of more than 60 boats, seemed gigantic. And no wonder, competitors from all over the world were there with the same goal: to win. An unforgettable experience, without a doubt.
“We made a few mistakes on the first day, but we were able to correct them. After that, we had to wait two days to start racing again because there was no wind. But until the weather and wind conditions improved, we couldn’t go into the water.”he recalled Saintswho lived that moment with great anxiety.
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The Argentine team stood out during the days of competition and arrived at the final zone with enormous equality. Paprika was neck and neck with the Polish team AutopodlasieThe title was not decided until the last race and had a cinematic ending.
This is how Santos told it: “Based on the overall standings, we thought we were second, tied with the first in points and second in the standings. But when they announced the prizes, we found out that we were world champions.”
The explanation for the surprising and enormous excitement of the final result is that the classification is separated by categories and in theirs they had the definitive leadership.
The excitement of winning the world championship
During the talk with Scope Santos recalls details of the race and becomes sensitive again. “It’s hard to believe, we didn’t expect to win. Even though we were always at the top in Argentina, we were Argentine champions, we knew that in France it was a World Cup and there would be competitors from all countries looking for the podium. This is beautiful, unbelievable, we still can’t fall. It’s crazy, really.”he said with emotion on the surface.
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But the helmsman had an additional ingredient in this World Cup: he competed alongside his daughter. Lourdes17 years old, and together they became champions. “It was very exciting to run with my daughter, to be able to develop this sport with her, to see the determination she puts into it and the effort we all make to be here, it’s amazing.”
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What’s next for Paprika after the world title in France?
“Now we have to keep working. We brought back many innovations to make in Argentina. The idea is to train with a boat similar to the one we want to race next year in the World Cup in Italy, but we know it’s difficult.”analyzed the consecrated sailor regarding his next objectives.
“We had a lot of disadvantages in terms of the World Cup. We travelled five days early, and it takes a lot for the body to get used to the time difference, as well as the nerves and all that. It’s hard. We’re thinking of going 10 days early next year to get ready for the competition.”Santos acknowledged.
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In addition to Scope, Other companions and sponsors that he received Paprika to travel to France They were the Government of Río Negro, the food company SUUM Patagonia, Minerales SRL of Ingeniero Jacobacci, the Neuquén Industrial Laundry, the pest control company EXTER, the AYM SRL Refrigerator of Neuquén, the clothing and merchandising company Bordeya and the freight transport company Expreso Nuevo Valle SRL.
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Source: Ambito
