May makes everything new. At least that's how it looks from the perspective of round-the-world sailor Tony Kolb. The 28-year-old signed his new employment contract with Larry Ellison's America's Cup campaign BMW Oracle Racing. And is "very happy" about it. Yacht online met the family man in Munich for a chat before he packs his bags again to look for a place to stay in his future home of Valencia.
YACHT online: Firstly, congratulations on your new job. Who brought you into the team and when did you sign?
Tony Kolb: I signed the contract on 5 May. I'm very happy about it. After John Kostecki, Ross Halcrow, Dirk de Ridder, Noel Drennan and Jamie Gale, a number of my former "illbruck" colleagues were already in the team, they brought me in.
YACHT online: You have completed several weeks of training with the team in Auckland. Have you already decided in which position you will be deployed?
Tony Kolb: That hasn't been finalised yet. But I think I'm a typical bow/midbow person. I like the action on the bow. I'm not a particularly good helmsman or trimmer, but I've always been pretty physically fit. That's why the forecastle is a good choice for me.
YACHT online: Will you also take on an area of responsibility in the technical field?
Tony Kolb: The position of Boat Captain is vaguely under discussion and a prospect. I know a lot about hydraulics, masts and rigs. That would fit. However, I don't have a complete technical insight yet because I only took part in trials in New Zealand and quite a lot was kept secret from me.
YACHT online: Your new boss Chris Dickson is generally regarded as an excellent sailor, but also as a tough "whip-wielder". How do you get on with him?
Tony Kolb: I find Chris very likeable. He is simply extremely ambitious and constantly sets high goals for himself and others. I like this way of working because you don't work into the air.
YACHT online: The new job will also fundamentally change your family's life. What are your plans?
Tony Kolb: I'm flying back to Valencia next week, where we already have our new training boats. Then I'll be renting a flat for the time being. My wife Kim, our daughter Marie and I will be living there pretty much permanently from next year. It's a dream city and I'm really looking forward to this new experience.
YACHT online: You are the fifth German to sail for the America's Cup after Ralf Steitz, Jochen Schümann, Weert Kramer and Tim Kröger. Do any other German sailors have a chance of joining your team?
Tony Kolb: There is an opportunity for every good sailor from all over the world to apply to us.
YACHT online: How do you rate the chances of a future German America's Cup challenge, which so many fans and protagonists like Jochen Schümann are hoping for and working towards?
Tony Kolb: When there was still the old nation rule, I would have liked a German campaign. But today it doesn't matter. That ship has sailed. And you also need more experience than we have in Germany. But I would like to see a few more German players. But I think that our team, with the new name and with me, already offers some identification opportunities for German fans.
YACHT online: How do you envisage your future after the America's Cup 2007?
Tony Kolb: I'm certainly not going to become a millionaire in this job. So I still have to work a bit. I want to continue to be active in regattas as long as I'm fit enough for it. I would also like to sail around the world again. And maybe make another attempt at the Olympics.
YACHT online: But after you left Marc Pickel, you're not back in the Starboat, are you?
Tony Kolb: No, I'd rather be alone in the Finn dinghy.
YACHT online: How many America's Cup teams do you expect when it starts off Valencia in 2007?
Tony Kolb: I believe in twelve teams. The races in Valencia are highly attractive. The action is really close to the beach. The spectators can hear the flapping of the sheets.
The interview was conducted by Tatjana Pokorny
Pascal Schürmann
Editor YACHT
