Know the sailors – Jochen Schümann
In December 2015, Jochen Schümann will be competing in the Star Sailors League (SSL) Final in Nassau, Bahamas, as a VIP, sailing with fellow German crew, Ingo Borokowski. The SSL is a new concept in yacht racing, where sailors from the Star Class compete with VIP sailors from other disciplines, such as the Finn and the Laser. All SSL events have a knock-out format and prize money.
Jochen Schümann has competed at four Olympic games, winning three Gold medals and one Silver medal in the Finn and Soling Class. Jochen has won the America’s Cup on two occasions with Swiss team Alinghi and is considered to be Germany’s most successful sailor of all time. Jochen has won the ISAF World Sailor of the Year Award and in recent year’s has skippered Maxi, Esimit Europa 2 to numerous line honours wins and world records in offshore racing.
SSL: If you weren’t a sportsperson, what would you be?
JS: An architect; I like simplicity, the perfect harmony of function, structure and style.
SSL: What is the greatest sacrifice you have had to make in order to achieve success?
JS: Missing time for friends , who are not sailors.
SSL: What animal fascinates you?
JS: Dolphins; the elegance and power of their motion as well as their social behaviour.
SSL: What kind of a person makes you angry or happy ?
JS: People who are undecided, who keep saying what they do not want make me angry. People who enjoy daily action make me happy.
SSL: What was is your favourite memory from another sport?
JS: Soccer 2014 World Cup Semi-final in Brasil: GER vs BRA 7:1, very surprising and unbelievable!
SSL: What book inspires you?
JS:Jules Verne’s Around the World in Eighty Days – I still have to do it…
SSL: Is there any specific technique you use when competing to help motivate yourself?
JS: Not really, just be more efficient than others, work harder then you achieve the results.
SSL: If you could invite people through history for dinner, who would you choose?
JS: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – I believe , he was crazy and very entertaining – but not    classic at all!
SSL: How many Golds/World Championships is ‘enough’.
JS: It is always about the most current one
SSL: If you could have a super hero special power what would it be?
JS: I would control the winds …
1-6 December 2015 – The third edition of the SSL Finals will take place in Nassau, Bahamas
All SSL events use a qualifying competition followed by a knock-out system. Teams take part in the qualifying rounds, which is a series of races over three days. The top 11 teams progress to the knock-out stage, which has four stages. In one-off races teams are eliminated, until just four teams remain to contest the final. The winner takes home a big slice of the $200,000 Prize Purse.
Watch all the action live from the Star Sailors League Final. With expert commentary from special studio guests. On the water, the latest in hi-tech camera technology, as well as Virtual Eye 3D Graphics, will provide thrilling viewing. Armchair sailors can also join the race with Virtual Regatta.
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