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Encouragement for Kids from the Boy from Brazil

29/06/2009


On the eve of the 39th Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship in Armação de Búzios, Brazil, Torben Grael, the country’s greatest-ever sailor found time to issue a special welcome and words of encouragement as he collected the Fighting Finish trophy for winning the Volvo Ocean Race.

Within hours of clinching victory in the Volvo Ocean Race as skipper of the all-conquering Ericsson 4, veteran Brazilian Torben Grael was turning his attentions to the next generation of champion sailors and the record 280 competitors from 59 nations congregating in the Brazilian port of Búzios and what they call, ‘sailing’s Olympics in a week.’“

I am delighted that the Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship are taking place in my home country for the first time and feel sure Brazil and Armação de Búzios will give a fantastic welcome to the next generation of Olympians, World Champions, Americas Cup and Volvo Ocean Race sailors,” said the man who guided Ericsson 4 to a convincing victory in the toughest, roughest race on earth.

“My advice to these young sailors is to work hard, enjoy your sport, make the most of your potential and see where it takes you,” added the two-time Olympic gold medallist, “And if the opportunity to sail a Volvo Ocean Race campaign comes along, grab it with both hands as it is a wonderful sporting experience and a massive personal challenge.”

Grael returns to Brazil at the same time as his national football team which won the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa, completing a wonderful weekend for the country’s sporting heroes and he hopes his compatriots can achieve a strong performance on home waters.

“I wish each and every one of the 280 young sailors great sport and every success,” said the Brazilian sailing star, who may even take a trip up to Búzios on a talent-spotting mission. 

Great Britain is defending the Volvo Trophy won in 2008 in Århus, Denmark and seven gold medals are up for grabs in Búzios from 9th – 18th July, 420 Boys and Girls, Laser Radial Boys and Girls, RS:X Windsurfing Boys and Girls and Hobie 16 Open.

www.youthworlds.org / www.sailing.org

Volvo Youth Sailing ISAF World Championship
Volvo