Congratulations on being crowned world champions in the Tornado Class! You were consistent in Cascais, with your only double-digit score being an 11 (your throw-out).
You had a six-point lead going into the World Championship medal race that was cancelled. How did you prepare?
Fernando Echavarri & Antón Paz: We knew final race was going to be really tricky because it was blowing 30 to 35 knots and the RC wanted to make the final near the harbor. We waited a long time for better conditions, but we ended up not racing. We were happy because speed was not as important, and the other top boats were only a few points behind. Anything could have happened.
Other than winning, what were your goals? Is there anything you tried to improve?
FE & AP: Our goal was give the best of ourselves. We knew Cascais could be a good opportunity for us so we just concentrated on racing well. We did not break anything, which is really important in tough conditions. We always try to see our faults and solve them in time, but there are always things to improve.
Is there a mentor or some other figure that has significantly influenced your sailing careers?
AP: We were the sparring partners of Tornado gold medalists Fernando Leon and Pepote Ballester during their preparation for the 2000 Games in Sydney. We really improved, climbing to the top 10 in the Tornado Class.
FE: Many names come to my mind. Toni Navarro coached me when I joined the Laser National Team in the 90s. As one of Spain's top sailors in the 70s, he has an incredible amount of knowledge and patience. He works hard and brings out the best in each sailor.
How did you learn the racing game?
FE & AP: Even now we find we have things to learn. We still have lots of work to do.
You have been at the top of the Tornado class for over a year now. What made you so successful?
FE & AP: The main thing is practice. It used to be talent, but the sport is getting more professional and you need to work as hard as possible to stay on top.
Are you making any changes to your boat for the Olympics?
FE & AP: Similar to other high-performance classes, the Tornado still has room for development. For the 2008 Games, our focus will be on optimizing the sails and perfecting the surface treatment, but we do work all over the boat. Development takes time because you have to deal with designers and builders.
Is there another side to you that you'd like to share?
FE: I also sail big boats and sometimes I coach. I sailed in the 2005-2006 Volvo Ocean Race with movistar.
AP: I've competed in many sports over the years, including the vault jump. It really helped me prepare for the physical demands of the Tornado.
Alicante has two teams entered in the 2008-2009 Volvo Ocean Race. Are you considering doing the Volvo after Qingdao?
FE: Yes. After movistar sunk, I decided I'd like to do it again sometime. The race after Qingdao would be a good opportunity.
What do you think about Qingdao being a stopover for the Volvo?
FE & AP: Its going to be funny to come here after the Olympics.
What did you take away from the last VOR? What do you think about the new safety measures?
FE: Sailing on movistar in the Volvo was my first experience in ocean racing, so I just concentrated on giving it my best. It's difficult for dinghy sailors to get accepted by ocean sailors; you need to gain their confidence and demonstrate you can do it. It was a good experience and I learned many things about ocean racing and teamwork. Regarding the precautions for the next Volvo, I understand the new VO70s will be much safer than the first generation, and designers had more information about the loads this time. We have a lot to learn about the new boats.
How was the ceremony for your first equator crossing?
FE: King Neptune did not like me. The food he threw on me was stuck for a while. There were some funny moments on the equator that I will never forget.
What are your thoughts about the Volvo starting right after the Olympics and the possibility of the next Americas Cup overlapping with the Volvo's finish?
FE & AP: There are many events going on in the next few years and it's great for our sport. Sailing is becoming more and more popular.
Do you have any feedback or thoughts on Harken and McLube™products?
FE & AP: Every piece of hardware on our boat is Harken and we are really happy with it. It has no problem handling the high forces seen in a radically fast boat like the Olympic Tornado. This strength and durability, particularly noticeable in the Ratchamatic® blocks in our mainsail and gennaker systems, impresses us because the hardware doesn't carry any extra weight that would jeopardize our performance. We use McLube™ on our jib and mainsail, and to prevent damage to the spinnaker while its in the snuffer.
FE & AP: How do you prepare your boat and yourselves for a race?
We work a lot on the boat; its just a machine and it needs to work perfectly if you want to be on top. In my case, I just keep in shape, but Anton has a special gym program. Mentally, it is more difficult because it depends on many factors. We try to be neither too relaxed nor too stressed.
How do you deal with the stress of racing such a fast boat?
FE: You see it differently after a while, and it doesn't look that fast while you're on the boat. Sometimes crossing boats in a port start or coming too close to the marks is stressful, however.
What do you like about the Tornado?
FE & AP: Reaching 30 knots in a 6-meter cat is difficult to forget!
What is your most memorable race?
FE: Some moments on the V70 and the two world titles were definitely memorable.
You placed first in the 2005 Audi Challenge and third in the 2005 Rolex IMS Worlds. You've trained with movistar. How does your experience on larger boats apply to the Tornado?
FE & AP: That's one of the great things about this sport. There are many different boats and kinds of sailing, but everything you learn is helpful.
Volvo Open 70s have been referred to as monomaran sailing because they're fast and responsive like multihulls. Do you have a preference?
FE: Volvo 70s are fast but not as fast as performance cats. I like both.
What do you find most fun and rewarding about the sport?
FE: Sailing is a complete sport. You need to know the rules and strategy and so on, but you also need skills in engineering, composites, hydrodynamics and aerodynamics, etc. You must keep an open mind, be a hard worker, and focus your abilities. Sailing is also a sport in which you interact with people from other countries. Social skills are important too.
AP: After focusing on the Tornado for eight years, winning the Worlds, and earning the first spot in the ISAF Tornado rankings, our efforts were recognized with the ISAF Sailor of the Year award.
What advice would you give a sailor new to the sport?
FE & AP: Be safe and enjoy.
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