Melges 24 – LAIKA Sailing combination
»Sailing is more than just holding the rudder. The big challenge consists of finding the best possible solution to any of the many changing tasks nature throws at you while always remaining humble. Nature cannot be controlled.«
Lennart Burke
Since I have started to work as a team leader and navigator for the Laika Sailing combination, I have been gripped by the regatta fever. In the last five years I have not only been able to acquire extensive sailing knowledge but I have also learnt a lot about team management: what it means to spark the team spirit again and again, to refine the communicative and organisational skills and to deal with technical progress and financial challenges. In the meantime we have become a well-practised team and are able to operate on board with few words only.
Maybe it’s the thrill, the constant pressure to get the most out of the boat and the crew which motivates us again and again to peak performance. A maximum of performance, downright competitive spirit, many years of experience and fast reactions determine success or failure.
Being the youngest crew in the class we have been able to chalk up quite a few wins so far: e.g. victories at the Warnemünde and Kiel Weeks as well as the German championship title in 2017.
This year we are already qualified for the World Championship for the second time (5th till 12th October 2019, Villasimius/Sardinia).
After a collision in Helsinki in 2017 quickly put an end to our dream of participation – and thus a good ranking - we have set ourselves an ambitious goal for October: to be among the better half – close to the Pro sailors. Cross your fingers!
For preparation we have participated in the Danish championship in August and went to the Swedish Championship in September. There we were able to sail into third place! An awesome success for our young team.