Everybody that has ever done an event knows how huge the effort is behind the scene. Almost 100 people are involved in Split Olympic Sailing Week, helping in one way or another.
- Preparation for SOSW lasts for a year, as soon as this event finishes we will start working on the next one. So many club members and friends help us out every time, all volunteers. Without them this wouldn't be possible, so I would like to thank them once again in making SOSW such a great event! – says president of Sailing club Labud Mira Bob
The sight of so many small white sails in the club marina, the feeling of a big event, the anxious sensation before the first start bring out old memories for all those that were a part of the world of olympic sailing, some recently, some many years ago. One of them is Ivan Kuret, participant of the Olympic Games in 1996. in Atlanta, in the 470 class.
- Well, I am passing by these 470s and I can not beleive that it is already 15 years since I've sailed in one of these boats. It is nice to see them here and I must admit that I miss this kind of sailing. The atmosphere at an event, when the sails are being hoisted…Everybody that is familiar with that adrenalin can not pass today through the marina without remembering what was it like in our days. So, knowing all of that, a friend of mine convinced me to take part in SOSW in Star class, and everything was already set, but unfortunately he had to work, so I had to stay ashore. But next year I'am sailing for certain! – laughs Kuret.
One of the main topic in the marina is of course the big season of 2011, Perth and olympic qualifiers. Some 1500 sailors from more than 70 countries are expected to sail at Worlds in Perth in December. Sail for 75 % of only 380 places reserved for saling in London 2012.
- Indeed this is a challenging year for everybody. Split Olympic Sailing Week is a beginning of a story that will end in August next year in Weymouth. I see here many faces that will sail the Olympics for sure, and I am proud that we can welcome them in Split on their sacred olympic path – says Karlo Kuret, a very experienced four time Olympian in Finn class.
Tomorrow is the third day of Split Olympic Sailing Week. The start is scheduled for 10.00, the plan is to go with three races. Strong NE wind is expected tomorrow. Wind that the locals call „bura“ can be very unpleasant, unstable both in strength and direction.
