Sailor Profile: Gabriel Wicke (GER)
- 2002 Musto Skiff European Champion
Here is a Q&A that was completed in 2002 by MUSTO Skiff European Champion Gabriel Wicke.
What got you into the MUSTO Skiff class?
In short- Joachim Harpprecht. After sailing his prototype in autumn 1999 in Kiel and on Garda we went together to Burnham-on-Crouch to build the first production prototypes. I then sailed one of the MUSTO Skiff at the World Sailing evaluation events in March 2000 to victory in all races.
What have you sailed previously?
Laser, Contender. Later 49er, Tornado, A-cat.
How old, tall and heavy are you?
In 2002, I was 23 years old and weighed around 84kg.
How much training did you do in the MUSTO Skiff in the year prior to the win?
I had done a lot of Contender sailing in 2000 and some in 2001. The MUSTO practice was mostly the preparation for the World Sailing event in 2000 and a day before the event.
Did you do any specific training exercises to improve your boatspeed & handling?
In the Contender and later in the 49er, really short courses (100-200m) with a lot of tacks and gybes are nice to get the handling right. You can do this without any help, e.g. with two floating marks made from partially cement-filled PVC piping taken out on the foredeck. A faster-drifting top mark can spice things up as the exercise progresses. Can you still fit in 3 proper tacks before reaching the top mark? This will make you tired (and warm) very quickly, so some two-boat tuning can be a welcome relaxation. Once the handling is not that distracting any more, a lot of racing should be very helpful and fun.
What were your rig settings (Rake, tensions (shroud & lowers) spreaders (length & deflection))?
I did not measure it, just set it up by feel. I think I had more rake than most at the time.
What did it feel like to lift the trophy at the prize giving?
😉
Do you have any sponsors?
Joachim Harpprecht (Schappi) borrowed me his boat and drove us to Lake Garda.
What other hobbies do you have?
Sailing (Tornado and A-class catamaran), hiking, biking, informatics
Are you married / have any kids?
Neither/nor.
What is your favourite band/music?
Arvo Pärt
What’s your favourite food?
Lasagne Bolognese with béchamel sauce
What is your day job?
Programmer and Student
