ABU DHABI // A meeting with Tom King, the Australian Olympic sailing gold medallist from the 2000 Sydney Games, set Mat Belcher on a journey to achieve sailing stardom.
Belcher emulated the feat of his role model by winning the gold medal in the 470 Class at the 2012 London Olympics and has enjoyed more success since pursuing a full-time career in sailing.
“For me, it has been an amazing journey,” said Belcher, 33, at Monday’s launch ceremony of the 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final at the Breakwater in Abu Dhabi, which runs Tuesday until Sunday.
“I started speaking to an Olympic gold medallist at the Sydney Games and that really set me up on this journey.
“I think it’s the responsibility of all the competitors at this level to send a message across to the youth in every country they compete. I started that way and it’s my responsibility to get the message across to the next generation.
“Now it has become a critical part of any sport, being able to inspire the next generation. Abu Dhabi, particularly, has a passion for sailing and it’s fantastic to see them creating a legacy for the younger generation.”
Belcher, who will have compatriot Will Ryan as his crew, will be defending his 470 Class title which he won when the ISAF event was first staged in the capital last year.
“We came last year and had a great time,” he said. “It’s a great level of competition. The weather and conditions are fantastic. I guess we are really looking forward to racing again in Abu Dhabi.
“The competition is not going to be easy. I think when we compete in any Olympic discipline the challenge is always there. For sure the World Cup final will surely create a stage or a platform where we can have a top, top competition.”
Belcher said the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi will see the culmination of a whole year’s work coming together after the qualification rounds, a similar process to qualify for the Olympics.
“The numbers are a bit down than last year as many of the sailors were competing in the world championship last week and couldn’t make it. However, there is no dearth in quality, and everyone will have to be on top of their game to win in Abu Dhabi,” he said.
Belcher has all but qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics, his third after Beijing and Lonwdon three years ago. He says the workload and the competition for places at the Olympics have increased remarkably since 2012.
“I think the difference between the London preparation and the real preparation is just that the intensity and volume of events have increased a lot,” he said.
“There are a lot of sailors now travelling a lot more than they used to and they are competing a lot more on a regular basis than before.
“There are also more choices of events and it’s really critical to choose the right events. Abu Dhabi is a major event and it was important for me to compete here.”
Belcher just one among loaded field at Breakwater in Abu Dhabi
ABU DHABI // The 2015 ISAF Sailing World Cup Final will reach its climax this week with six champions in eight disciplines returning to defend their titles at the Breakwater from Tuesday until Sunday.
Mat Belcher, the 2014 World Cup and 2012 Olympic gold medallist, and Will Ryan, who helped him capture his sixth successive 470 title at the recently concluded world championships, are among the favourites to retain their Abu Dhabi titles.
Austrians Lara Vadlau and Jolanta Ogar are back defending the women’s 470 Class while Britain’s Bryony Shaw seeks a second successive gold medal in the women’s RS:X class. Belgian Evi van Acker defends her Laser Radial title.
Abu Dhabi is staging the final regatta in a series which started in Melbourne last December before the other qualifying rounds in Miami, Hyeres (France), Weymouth (England) and Portland (United States) and Qingdao (China).
“It’s a world event and a spectacle out on the waters for everyone to watch and enjoy,” said Majed Ateeq Al Mehairi, chief executive of Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club which is hosting the event.
The winners of the ISAF World Cup events in Melbourne, Miami, Hyeres, Weymouth and Portland, and Qingdao will be joined by the continent’s top sailors as well as those at the top of the rankings across the four days of competition in the capital.
“Abu Dhabi is a compact and spectacular course with an excellent view for the spectators, and looking ahead of some great action on the water from this world-class field,” said Antonio Gonzales, ISAF’s technical director.
All the races take place in the waters around Lulu Island off the Corniche. Sailing enthusiasts are urged to visit the host club to board spectator boats for the best views.
apassela@thenational.ae
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