Know the sailors – Pierre-Alexis Ponsot

Pierre-Alexis represented France, along with his partner and six-time Olympian Xavier Rohart at the 2012 Summer Olympics. The French pair took Gold in the Bacardi Cup in 2012 and won the ISAF World Cup series in 2009 and 2012. I his early career, Pierre-Alexis competed in the Soling and Finn at European and World Championship regattas. This December, Pierre-Alexis Ponsot will be crew with Xavier Rohart for the third Star Sailors League Finals in Nassau.

 

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SSL: What is the greatest sacrifice you have had to make in order to achieve success?

PAP: Spending less time with my children who would prefer me to be Superman!

SSL: What animal fascinates you and why?

PAP: The tiger because it is strong, elegant and fascinating.

SSL: What kind of a person makes you angry or happy?

PAP: Hypocritical and corrupt people make me angry. Smart, empathic and charismatic people make me happy.

SSL: What was is your favourite memory from another sport?

PAP: Carl Lewis achievement in Olympics in Los Angeles showed me the way to make a career out of sport.

SSL: What book inspires you?

PAP: The Prince by Machiavelli because of teachings: “Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.”

“The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves.”

SSL: Is there a technique you use to help motivate yourself?

PAP: Simply goal setting.

SSL: If you could invite someone to dinner from history, who would you choose?

PAP: Leonardo da Vinci

SSL: If you could have a super hero special power what would it be?

PAP: Flying!!

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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.