Thomas reflects on 505 Sailing World Cup

LOCAL sailors, Thomas Funke and his brother, Peter recently took part in the 505 Sailing World Cup in Weymouth, UK. The brothers, who have been sailing together since a young age have four national titles behind their name. A 505 is a one-design high performance two-person monohull as both crew members trapezes on a wire as they soar through the water. The duo finished 43rd out of 140 competitors at the world cup.

“I admit we could’ve done better but we’ve had some good results nationally. Though we are disappointed with our world cup performance, we are determined to do better at the next event,” Thomas said.

The best results for the brothers was finishing eight at the world champs in Port Elizabeth.

“We are trying to get back on top and keep the momentum going. With the world champs being held in Durban this year we are ready to take on the world’s best.”

Thomas said he began sailing on a keelboat at a young age.

“Our Dad started us off young on his keelboat, when we were only a few months old at Hartbeespoort Dam. We grew up on the water. When I was old enough to sail solo, I jumped onto an Oppie for about a year and then moved to a Dabchick which I raced on until I was in matric. Racing 505s is a bit of an addiction at the start, and then you just keep going,” he said.

Thomas said training for the brothers is particularly challenging as Peter lives up in Gauteng.

“We usually meet half way at Sterkfontein Dam in the Free State. We try and make a plan to meet up every free weekend. Otherwise rely on general cardio to keep fit.”