Photo: Linda Wright
Photo: Linda Wright
What is it you find most fun or rewarding about this sport?
Sally Barkow: Competing in an ever-changing environment never gets dull. I love sailing and have a burning desire to race and sail all the time—even in the dead of winter. For me, hard work is extremely important and rewarding. I need to feel that the top is still a reach away, still a battle, and still a steep climb to success.
Debbie Capozzi: I enjoy working as part of a team and achieving the goals I’ve set.
Carrie Howe: It is a complicated game. I like the thought that no matter where you finish in the race, there are always improvements to be made.
Do you have a mentor or some other key figure in your life who has significantly influenced your sailing?
SB: No one single person has significantly influenced my sailing. My drive comes from those who have reached a level I want to achieve, regardless of the sport. Growing up, I looked to my brothers as mentors when it came to sailing and understanding the commitment it takes to win. Now I take a little piece of what I admire from everyone I meet and incorporate it into my drive for excellence.
CH: I come from a non-sailing family that supports me tremendously in all that I do. My role model would be one of our first Olympic coaches, Ed Baird. Sailing can be quite a complicated mental sport. Ed has shown me that simplicity and dedication will win the game. When I feel overwhelmed, I remember Ed’s whiteboard discussions from four years ago. I even try to write to him or call so he can keep me thinking straight.
How did you learn the racing game?
DC: I learned during sailing lessons when I was young. However, I really learned what it meant to "race" during college after practicing every day against some of the best college sailors in the country.
CH: I started traveling as a dinghy crew at a young age. Top-level sailors with a wealth of knowledge surrounded me as I listened, watched, and then acted. I would practice what I learned and eventually I learned to helm. The fact that I did both as I was growing up makes me realize how important the role of a crew is. Crewing is a hard job, just as skippering is. With teamwork and respect, success becomes inevitable.
How have your very successful college sailing careers have influenced each of you?
DC: College was a great stepping-stone for me where I learned priceless lessons about racing and being on a team. At Old Dominion, I was fortunate to be a part of a well-run team that had all the resources you needed to succeed: good teammates, great coaches and support staff, and sufficient funding.
CH: College sailing has taught us how to reset for every race, and realize that we need to move on from mistakes and fight for the next race! The hundreds and hundreds of starts and close boat situations in college don’t hurt either!
Do you have a favorite place to sail?
DC: Lake Garda, Italy.
CH: No. I think it is the competition that makes a fun place to sail. Well—a tropical island in the trade winds would be okay also.
What is your favorite class to sail?
CH: In the last two years I have spent time sailing various catamarans. The boats are beautiful; they’re quiet, fast, and extremely sensitive to sail trim and weight. I’d have a smile on my face the entire day!
DC: I don't have a favorite. I just enjoy the challenge and fun of sailing on any boat.
What do you like to do when you aren't sailing
SB: I enjoy learning. I have a BS in psychology, and will soon have my license in massage therapy. Along with our campaign for 2008, I am working part time as a massage therapist, with a focus on sports massage.
DC: I spend time at home with my family. I try to get outdoors to go backpacking or rock-climbing as well.
CH: All sorts of stuff. It depends where I am, but skiing is my favorite. Spending time with close friends is high on the list as well.
How do you prepare for racing?
DC: We have worked hard to develop a workout that we can take with us on the road. Mentally, I try to treat each race the same, whether it is the opening race in a series or the last race of a very close regatta. If the race goes badly, I try not to dwell on it and I move onto the next one.
CH: I have learned that in order to be my best at race time, I need to turn on my ‘race brain’ roughly one hour before the race starts. I feel it is important to have this on/off switch. I focus on finding a healthy physical and mental benchmark for the starting point of all racing and training sessions. This includes gym work to help me reach the strength benchmark, as well as structure so that I am fully confident in my equipment and myself.
What would you miss on your boat if you forgot it?
CH: I would really miss my spinnaker. It sounds funny, but it is possible to forget.
DC: Lunch!
How do you deal with the stress of racing?
DC: I find that keeping the atmosphere lighthearted takes away the stress of racing; I enjoy cracking jokes and playing pranks on my teammates and coaches.
CH: I feel I am blessed with an ability to stay calm during a race. Events are long, and those who can deal with obstacles the best, win! After racing, I digest the day with my teammates and coach, and then I get level with the help of a talented sailor friend who helps me prepare for the next day.
How has all your match racing influenced your sailing?
DC: Match racing is a great way to cross-train. I enjoy sailing against different competitors and different boats. It is a change of pace from fleet racing, opening our eyes to different scenarios and keeping me from burning out on our Olympic campaign.
CH: I have actually stepped away from the match racing a bit. Sally and Debbie have been doing an excellent job and I commend them for this.
How do you prepare your boat for racing?
DC: In the morning I look over the boat for any wear and tear from the day before.
CH: I try to arrive early on race days in order to go over my checklist: spreaders, spinnaker sheets, possible gear problems, and then myself! I need to make sure that I am prepared for everything.
Do you have any rigging tricks you could share with us?
DC: I like to use McLube™on all of the moving parts; I find it helps things run smoothly.
CH: Keep your boat simple and clean. Research beforehand to prepare all the lines, blocks, and systems appropriately so you can be sure your boat can handle the loads and stresses of a season of racing. We trust Harken! In terms of rigging—the boat park and fellow sailors have taught me everything! Keep your eyes and ears open!
Briefly, do you have any feedback or thoughts on Harken and McLube™?
SB: I think they both make great products. Our boat is totally equipped with Harken hardware. We need to make only minimal checks and repairs on the equipment because it is so reliable. As for McLube™, I use it for the bottom our boat. It has proven very effective.
What advice would you give a sailor that is new to the sport?
CH:
Do non-racing practice sessions with a training partner. This is when you can feel and adjust your boat at the pace you need. Try all different adjustments and really tune in to the boat’s performance. Time on the water is key!
DC:Focus on having fun and the results will come.
Are you doing anything differently to prepare for the 2008 Games?
DC: Nope, I’m doing the same things I do for every other event.
CH: In the past few months I have been doing some textbook preparation, including rules and weather. I am also learning to focus on mental toughness so that I’m ready for anything that tries to stop us from winning that GOLD MEDAL!
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