The sailor of the century

[Sybarite]

The French have voted for Eric Tabarly.

Do you agree?


I would say that Peter Blake would be giving him a run for the money.

 

[PaulJS]

Dylan Winter!

 

[laika]

That's "Last Century" presumably: Which rules out Francis Joyon and Dylan Winter, both of whose most significant achievements have been in this century.

Interesting question. Should we base it on achievement (of which "competitions won" is a subset), perceived sailing skills (which, unless we've sailed with them, is presumably dependent on achievement) or inspiration? Tabarly seems a fair choice if you're either French or not obsessed with nationalism. Not being very competitive, I'm probably in the minority focusing on the latter category. Gotta be Moitessier.

 

[Kermit]

Elvstrom would get my vote.

 

[Sans Bateau]

What about Pugwash? Or seaman Stains?

 

[oldvarnish]

Does our own Robin KJ not figure on anyone's list?

 

[Way]

Surely robin KJ for essentially starting the races we love to follow today like the Vendee.

It's too broad a question really and too subjective/personal.

For me I know who inspires me. Steve White. So many people (myself included) sailed as children and have it in their blood. He fell into sailing, decided to go professional on his first trip. got his certificates and completed his first Vendee attempt in a boat people said wasn't fit. Single minded determination and it's-never-too-late spirit.....I really love that. We need people like him to remind us all to dream

 

[Scarboroughsloop]

Does our own Robin KJ not figure on anyone's list?

No - he could only park on his home berth.

Actually I would find it hard to choose between RKJ and Moitessier.

I'd have a good think about Eric Hiscock as well.

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Well, although Slocum's circumnavigation was in the 19th century, the man himself didn't die until 1909 (presumably; he went missing at sea that year). Does he count? He was certainly still sailing in the 20th century, even though his major achievment was earlier.

Arthur Ransome has to be up there - there must be several generations that were inspired to sail by his books, and the man himself was an ardent sailor.

The Hiscocks, Bill Howells, Alec Rose?

Invidious to have to choose, I think!

 

[Captn D]

As this a very subjective sort of accolade, I have no objection to the French nominating Tabarly and would agree he would be fairly high on a list of mine; but so would many others, of which some have been already mentioned!

 

[SeamanStaines]

What about Pugwash? Or seaman Stains?

Well thanks for thinking of me , but I am really not worthy

 

[ninky]

Which century? 20th or 21st?

 

[Sybarite]

Which century? 20th or 21st?

Let's not nitpick; over the last 100 years or so.

I agree that Joyon would be high on the list. As would Philippe Poupon.

 

[West Coast]

Has to be Peter Blake for me.

 

[Sybarite]

Has to be Peter Blake for me.

I agree :

5 participations Whitbread RTW race; won in 1990
Winner trophée Jules Verne RTW (with RKJ)
Twice winner America's Cup.

Best all rounder for me.


However, the popularity of Tabarly's successes inspired a whole generation to take up sailing which led to the huge expansion of the activity in general in France.

 

[fantasia7628]

Elvstrom would get my vote.

+ 1

 

[flaming]

Talbarry is a good shout, but I have to think that getting killed at sea has to count against you in this category!

Some more nominees

Brian Thompson - holds more world records than anyone else.
Frank Cammas - Wins both inshore and offshore, singlehanded and crewed
Sir Ben - essentially hasn't been beaten in a regatta since 1996
Vicky and Tom Jackson - Almost unbeatable in Solent racing in an old boat for many years, then took off world cruising. Have turned in some impressive passages in inhospitable climates, and beaten the locals in regattas around the world

 

[Kermit]

A bit of willy waving for Elvstrom.

Competed in 8 Olympics and won 4 consecutive gold medals. But for a nervous breakdown would probably won more.

Won numerous world championships including, Finn, 505, Snipe, Flying Dutchman, 5.5metre, Star and Soling.

Designer of yachts and dinghies and boat fittings including the Elvstrom bailer.

One of the first to understand that better fitness would lead to better results.

Danish Sportsman of the Century

One of the first 6 inducted into the ISF Hall of Fame.

In a career that started in 1948 and is still going.

Worthy of consideration in my opinion.

 

[chinita]

Oh, the question is about Racing Yachtsmen/women; not realised that.

I have no nominations.

 

[Babylon]

Dave Selby.