(Photo © Sean Trew/ Pacific Fog)
Our recently crowned King of the moth and 2009 World champion Bora Gulari kindly agreed to an interview with my good self. Here he shares his thoughts since the burn up at Cascade locks…
Firstly Thank you for giving this interview. I’m sure you’ve still got plenty more lined up!
P > You’ve mentioned several times that your training partner George Peet amongst others was pivotal to your success at the Gorge. Would you say that in order for any one to take the world title in the moth class, it requires a team effort or do you think it is still possible to make it as an individual?
BG > Anything is possible, but I could not have done it without George. John had Scott, Rohan had Amac, and I believe Simon had Adam. It is a team effort. It is impossible to really quantify improvements in boat speed without another boat to compare to.
P > Do you mess around with your boat settings or do you leave that to others and concentrate on boat handling?
BG > I am the only one who changes the settings on my boat. I think a lot of the people who have examined my boat closely have not been impressed with the level of refinement on the boat and the lines. It all works and works very well, even if it does not look like it. I think Paul Evlstrom was said to have the most used looking Finn, I like to think that my boat has that look to it.
P > I notice from the worlds video footage that when you are heading deep downwind, your boat is noticeably more “nose down” compared to others. Is this the secret to your speed downwind?
BG > I noticed that too. That is just what I have to do to keep the boat in the water. I don’t think that is the reason I am fast. Just ask Dave Lister, I’m sure he will tell you .
P > Do you think the switch from Bladerider to Mach2 made a difference in your performance or do you think it would have been possible for you win on either boat?
BG > It would have been possible to win with either. I think you could win with what ever you are comfortable with and know well. For me that was my Mach 2.
P > How much time (per week) did you spend training and working on boat handling in the last year?
BG > More than I can count but, when I could devote all the time I wanted to, I sailed it for about 21 hours a week.
P > Did you think at the start of the year you would be world champion?
BG > Of course I thought I could do it but I tell myself that with everything. I don’t know how else to keep myself motivated and keep the self doubt away. It was not until all the major players showed up at the Gorge that I really realized I had a shot at winning it.
P > Your size and weight has re written all the rule books on moths. Do you think the new boats and foil set ups have helped the heavier sailors or is it mostly down to technique and again boat handling?
BG > I think technique and boat handling can make up for a lot but obviously in lighter air lighter skippers have an advantage but as soon as the breeze is up they pay the price for being light. Everything is a trade off so who knows what is right.
P > Dubai is known to be a light wind venue. Will this affect the way you prepare for the worlds in 2010?
BG > They said that about Weymouth, I can’t remember what happened there. I have had one source tell me that it averaged 15 knots last march with good swell. So who knows, I am not into making major changes to my weight.
P > Who would you rate as the top moth sailor out there (apart from yourself!) and why?
BG > Who ever is right in-front of me, or right next to me. I don’t think I am any better than anyone else but, it was my day this summer.
P > Who would you say is most likely to contend for the 2010 moth world title?
BG > I don’t know how I could answer that. I’ll tell you the day before regatta starts.
P > What would you say are the qualities that are required to become a success in the moth class?
BG > You have to be willing to fix your own boat and put in the time and energy to go sailing in every condition you can.
P > How do you see the class developing from here having seen the media coverage and potential exposure from such high profile events?
BG > More people will be watching. It is interesting to see how many people actually recognize who I am, might have to get working on the beard again. The moth is probably the most spectator friendly platform in sailing and I think as a class it will be good for us to continue to take advantage of it. Rohan is working hard on having a grand prix circuit of sorts and I think if done properly it will be a great thing for both the sailors and the sponsors. That being said I am against it being a one design event.
P> What advice would you give to potential moth sailors who think it is too technical a boat to sail?
BG > It is not too technical of a boat. Sail with me or any of the guys in the fleet and I am sure they will be willing to help you get up to speed. If someone is not willing to help you, come talk to me. I will be more than happy to help. All you have to do is promise to go sailing with me.
P > What advice would you give to moth sailors wanting to improve?
BG > Never give up. The boat is just so much fun to sail. All you have to do is just do it! We have the best boat in the world, and if you are breaking a lot of stuff it is because you are doing something wrong.
P > Finally, where to from here in the moth class for you?
BG > Continue and keep sailing in the best class in the world.
Bora would also like to thank his sponsors: CST, ZHIK, MACH2, KASAILS
Once again thanks to Bora for taking the time to do this.
