IOC President Meets Jochen Schümann

IOC President Meets Jochen Schümann
IOC President Meets Jochen Schümann

Video: IOC President Meets Jochen Schümann

Video: IOC President Meets Jochen Schümann
Video: IOC President meets the athletes on the first day of competition at Pan Am Games 2024, March
Anonim
Image
Image

IOC President Jacques Rogge

"It is really a shame that these beautiful boats cannot sail in a 25 knot wind," said IOC President Jacques Rogge of his disappointment. He wanted to sail the Alinghi as 17th man with Jochen Schümann, but all races were canceled at the weekend.

Rogge, who himself competed three times in the Finn dinghy for Belgium at the Olympics and also sailed against Schümann, is an enthusiastic sailor, especially since his son is the international president of the Finn dinghy class association.

But in the spirit of the sport, he expressed great concern about the format of the America's Cup after the races were canceled: "Anything other than total calm should not be a reason for canceling such sailing races. The wind limit should be extended to 35 knots. "Of course there is the problem that the boats have to be configured for the America's Cup final in February when generally less wind is expected. But this problem must be solved.

"Maybe through an independent organization that organizes the Cup." Because in the current situation, the defender is trying to secure as many rights as possible, and the challengers are eager to fight against it. Only an independent body can provide a fair framework.

"This is not necessarily important for the sport, but for the sponsors and television. And to make sailing better known and more interesting in the world. It cannot be that races are canceled in medium winds. This dilem can only be resolved by finds a suitable sailing area. I believe that the America's Cup otherwise has enough potential for a top sport in the media. But these changes are necessary for that."

When asked about the dominance of the four rich top teams, Rogge says he is not in favor of any budget limit. "The America’s Cup has always been dominated by rich people. These people are important to the Cup. If you put a money limit on them, they will not come and then the Cup has a problem."

Recommended: