Photo: Tomasz Ignatowicz
How did you get involved in racing?
Maciej Grabowski : My parents got me into sailing and have supported my goals ever since.
Is there a mentor or role model or some other figure that has significantly impacted your sailing career?
MG: I have always admired Ben Ainslie and Robert Scheidt. They have both been extremely successful, but have managed to remain modest, normal guys. I believe that even a youngster from the bronze fleet could ask them for advice and get it.
It is also incredible that Robert ( Ben has already done one campaign in the Finn) still enjoys Laser sailing and that even after winning his 8th World Champion title last fall, he remains committed to his training. These are the guys we all should look up to.
You’ve been involved in the ISAF Laser circuit for over ten years. What keeps you excited and committed?
MG: I am what I call a 'racer'. I not only like to sail, but I love competing. Having an image of myself on the Olympic podium just makes me train harder.
This is your 3nd Olympics. What do the Games mean to you?
MG: Before my first Olympics (Sydney 2000), I was not aware what just being there meant to an athlete. When I entered the stadium for the opening ceremony I was overwhelmed by the atmosphere. I felt those thousands of people had come especially for me. It was then that I understood what people meant when they said that just being there is enough of a reward and that all the time and sacrifices are worth it.
Any specific uses of Harken® gear?
MG:
Harken gear has never let me down. When I’m racing for a top place at the Worlds or Europeans, I can’t afford to worry whether my gear is going to make it or not. Harken gives me that necessary confidence.
How has using McLube™ benefited you?
MG: I got my first can of McLube in February. I had been using WD40 (a popular lubricant in Europe) but find McLube way better. It’s especially useful on a simple boat like the Laser, where it is quite difficult to make everything work as smoothly as I’d like. I always have a can in the coach boat when I’m racing.
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