Photo: Christophe Launay
What was the first boat you owned?
Seve Jarvin: A Sabot.
How did you learn the racing game?
SJ: Through my dad Steve Jarvin (aka Mothy). Throughout his life he has successfully competed in many classes: dinghies, Etchells and Farr 40s through to the Maxi Boats like Wild Oats. I admire him for his achievements.
How do you physically and mentally prepare for a race?
SJ: Physically, gym twice a week! Mentally; before a regatta I just like to take it easy, get lots of sleep and eat good food. Then I know I have done everything I can to prepare myself for the race.
If you could spend 5 minutes with anyone on the planet, who would that be?
SJ: Borat. The guy is an absolute lunatic.
Is there another side to you you'd like to share?
SJ: Yes, I am a car salesman.
What do you do when you're not sailing?
SJ: Sleep
What lessons has sailing taught you that apply off the water?
SJ: I am definitely more organized this year. Last year I was hopeless.
Is there anyone who has significantly influenced your sailing career?
SJ: Again, my dad! He has competed successfully in many classes throughout his life, from dinghies, Etchells, and Farr 40s to Maxi yachts, such as Wild Oats. I admire him for his achievements.
How do you prepare your a race physically and mentally?
SJ: I go to the gym twice a week! Mentally, before a regatta I just like to take it easy, get lots of sleep and good food. Then I know that I have done everything I can to prepare myself for the race.
How do you handle stress?
SJ: Depends what side of the bed I wake up on.
How do you prepare your boat for racing ?
SJ: We clean and check everything thoroughly as we rig and unrig to make sure it's in good shape. We control everything we can control.
What would you miss most on the boat if you forgot it?
SJ: The rudder.
What is your most memorable race?
SJ: Winning the 2005 18-ft Worlds.
What advice would you give a sailor new to the sport?
SJ: It can be very expensive at the top end of the sport, but being involved in the sport at any level can be rewarding.
What do you find most rewarding about the sport?
SJ: Meeting new people! You've got to love the yachties!
What does your training motto "go hard for as long as you can, then go home" mean?
SJ: When we train, we do not leave the water until we have worked our asses off !
How hard is it to keep the 18' Skiff in tip-top racing shape?
SJ: On average, I think we put in 13 hours a week on boat maintenance.
Could you give us a few of your rigging tricks for the 18?
SJ: Ring All Marine 0403575443, best rigger in Australia
As a crew, how do you handle boat speed, tactical assignments?
SJ: We tune a lot with Michael (Cocko) Coxon and the guys from Fiat. I think our two boats were the quickest in the fleet during the 2007 International `8' Skiff Championship in Sydney. When you're quick it doesn't matter as much about tactics.
What is your most memorable race?
SJ: Winning the 18ft Worlds in 2005.
How do Dog (Andrew Palfrey) and his video camera help you?
SJ: We sit down after each training session to debrief and analyze the video. It is very helpful because we can see the good and the bad things.
Any interesting uses of Harken or McLube that have helped you out?
SJ: Our boat is completely Harken equipped. Even though there are high loads on the Carbo blocks and cleats on our skiff, nothing ever broke. It is good going into a regatta knowing that you can trust your equipment and that it won't fail.
What is your secret to mastering the skiff?
SJ: Lots and lots of time on the water
What are your plans for the future?
SJ: I plan to continue match racing with an eye on the international circuit and eventually the America's Cup.
Lubricant
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