Grael / Kunze Top Performance 2014
JF Sailing Solutions is in charge of Brazil’s 49er FX Olympic Sailing Team, comprised by Martine Grael and Kahena Kunze. 2014 had been planned to optimize their performance curve, focusing mainly in Santander’s ISAF Sailing Worlds taking place in September. Not having to obtain their olympic spot due to their host country condition for Rio 2016, their aim had been set high, up to the top of the podium.
Their calendar for this year has been very busy, and has included many top regattas, together with intensive sessions at home, and other spots, such as Auckland, New Zealand.
After fulfilling the first semester where they obtained excellent results, they boosted upwards in the ISAF ranking to #1.
- 4th PLACE – North American Championship / Miami.
- 4th PLACE – SWC Miami / Miami.
- 1st PLACE – SWC Palma / Palma de Mallorca.
- 1st PLACE – SWC Hyeres / Hyeres.
- 1st PLACE – ISAF Eurocup Garda / Lago di Garda.
- 2nd PLACE – European Championship / Helsinki.
After winning the Test Event for Rio 2016, they headed Santander ready to fight for the world title.
Santander proved to be a perfect host for the ISAF Worlds, and challenged the sailors in a wide variety of conditions, ranging from very light winds to a powerful breeze, moreover dressed with currents, wind shifts and gusts.
Grael / Kunze arrived to the final day in a tight second place with the leaders, the Dane team Baad / Thusgaard. The medal race was a winner-takes-it-all, which after a very exciting regatta, with position changes, Grael / Kunze finally took the lead over the danes, and lifted their first world championship cup.