MEDEMBLIK, 23TH MAY – Matias del Solar (Laser) is a well-known guest at the Delta Lloyd Regatta in Medemblik. This year he’s competing for the tenth time in Medemblik. He likes to be in the Netherlands and especially Medemblik. Five questions to the sailor from Chili.
Why always Medemblik? ,,I come here already for ten years. I like the regatta, because of the always challenging conditions. Last year the wind was very strong, this year it is nice. It’s never the same. Besides that the organisation is good. There are Wold Cup Regattas I skipp, because the organisation is not that good.”
Is Medemblik special to you? ,,Yes. Ik like to bike and I discovered mountainbiking. I found a nice track around Schoorl, a wonderfull place to bike. I’m staying already for 10 years at the same family. In the beginning they had a bed and breakfast. Not anymore, but they still keep a room free for me during the Delta Lloyd Regatta. I feel comfortable with them.”
What’s the level of sailing in Chili? ,,Sailing is small sport in Chili. Our waters are always cold, the temperature is around 10, 14 degrees. Always, also in summer. So that’s really cold. At the Olympics in Athens (2004) and Beijing (2008) I was the only sailingcompetitor for Chili. In London that will be different. A men’s team 470 has qualified and will travel with me.”
How is your preparation for the Olympics? ,,After the Sail for Gold in Weymouth I’ll go home for 10 days. After that I’ll go over to Italy to train. And finally we go to Weymouth. It will be my third Olympics. I’ll hope for a good result.”
You are 36. What are your plans after the olympics in London? ,,I’m not going to retire. I will be sailing, maybe not so fanatic as I do now, butt I plan to keep sailing at a level until the Olympics in Rio (2016). That means that I’ll be back in Medemblik. Ten is not enough for me. I like the racing here.”
Photo: Francois Wieringa
