About The skipper
POL
Nationality
tba
Start date
Boat: Kowalski (Taling 32)
Lives: Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Born in: 1963
Miles sailed: 30.000+
Status: DNS - Retired Entry
Where does your passion for sailing come from?
From my father. There were lots of books about the sea and sailing at home. I read a lot of them before I sat in a boat for the first time. I can’t say when his passion passed on to me. No matter how far into the past I look, it was always there… just like His books…
What lessons have you learnt from sailing?
May I answer with Sting’s words? : Be yourself no matter what they say.
What brought you to like single-handed sailing?
As I said, the passion has always been there. At some point when I was 14, I got on a boat and sailed for the first time. I was on my own. It wasn’t until later that I started sailing with crews.
What prompted you to sign up for this event?
Two reasons: At the moment, it’s the only event I’m financially able to take part in. At the same time, it’s also the only event for me that is open to everyone like the 1968 Golden Globe Race. The rules only ensure that we don’t become a danger to ourselves or our potential saviours.
How do you plan to prepare for this event?
The rough planning was as follows: I bought the boat in 2023. In 2024 I want to get to know the boat. In 2025 I want to complete the qualification trip. Then there’s 2026 to prepare the boat. And in between, all the training courses that are necessary for the start.
What do you think will be the biggest challenge?
Nautical: south ocean.
Mental: first getting to the start line and then seeing the race through to the finish line.
Tell us about your boat or the boat you would like to have.
In the past, it would have been a boat like an Open 40: with a huge sail area and exhilarating speeds. Today I have already found my dream boat. It’s the Taling 32: a Dutch design by Mr Car Taal and built in 1980. A long keeler, designed and built for very heavy weather.
Do you intend to link this personal challenge to a social cause?
I don’t think so. After reading “A voyage of madmen” by Peter Nichols, I think he said it all.
Sailing experience
A lifelong passion.
About The Boat
Sail Number: TBA
Boat design: Taling 32 (Car Taal)
Year built: 1980
LOA: 32ft
Displacement: 5500 kgs
Upwind sail area: 55m2
Downwind sail area: 80m2
