Hong Kong’s Youth America’s Cup sailor Aymeric Gillard hopes experience, naval architecture skills and calm outlook can push podium bid
- Aymeric Gillard says communicating calmly allows the whole team to relax and perform to the best of their ability as they seek sailing’s ultimate prize
- Hong Kong has entered a team in the junior version of the world’s most famous sailing race, hoping to leave a legacy of sustainability
Aymeric Gillard is drawing on all his experience in sailing to keep a level head as he and his team prepare for the Youth America’s Cup in March. The Hong Kong-born sailor believes that staying calm allows the team to operate at their best.
“If you are calm, and you speak clearly and speak calmly, everyone around you has a tendency to calmness around the boat,” said Gillard, 23.
“Some people are naturally good at it, but it tends to come with experience. The first time you go on a roller coaster it is scary, but the 10th time you know what is coming. I think I come more from the experience side.”
The America’s Cup is the oldest competition in sailing and one of the oldest trophies in any sport, with the first one held in 1851. The contest is between a holder and a challenger, and now the venerable event has a parallel youth competition.
