"You haven't won the race, if in winning the race you have lost the respect of your competitors,” said the great Paul Elvström and it’s a sailing mantra, perhaps a life mantra, to live by. Many on the professional circuit miss this. It’s a shame that we all know people who have won by foul means rather than fair but for those that do win, and do it honestly through great sailing, respect is both earned and due.
Over in the Caribbean in the last few days, Niklas Zennström and his awesome crew onboard the Carkeek 52 ‘Rán’ have laid down a marker of intent for the rest of a season that includes the Admiral’s Cup, that has more than earned the respect of their competitors. Straight bullets in the Nelson’s Cup Series and a win in the Antigua 360 is not be sniffed at. Stunning.