Mr Autenrieth, what qualified you for the job?
I bring with me the experience of a top sports career, a technical background and an international network.
What are your tasks?
We are a strong club in which I complement the team led by club manager Fabian Duttler and sports manager Nils Sternberg in the area of competitive sport. Targeted talent development, individual support in career planning, long-term support and the establishment of a top sports centre are important tasks. The decision points the way forward, is intended to strengthen the promotion of young talent at the BYC and support the transition of young talent into competitive and professional sport.
What does that look like in reality?
We want to support our athletes more closely in future. Both in terms of individual support here in Bavaria and on the road. I will be on site a lot at major regattas. We have to manage to pool resources better and promote talent more effectively. Co-operation with other clubs, as is already the case with the NRV Olympic Team in Hamburg, is an explicit part of our initiative. We want to optimise cooperation with clubs and the association. I want to bring in the positive drive and winning mentality that is needed to win medals. A winning mentality is something we need to work on in Germany, but it is also very useful beyond the sport. We want to build something long-term, make sailing Germany better and build bridges to Olympic sport for the many talents from the south.
Professional sailor Jochen Schümann and entrepreneur and ClubSwan 50 world champion Marcus Brennecke advise you and the BYC. What are the benefits?
Both are extremely experienced in their fields and bring a winning mentality and valuable commitment to and for the BYC. It is very helpful to have idols like them in the club. It spurs on young people who also want to achieve something.
The new performance centre will also house the AC40 simulator, which the Youth and Women's America's Cup 2024 teams recently used to prepare. what does this have to do with the Olympics?
There is a partnership with the America's Cup Team Germany (ACTG). We want to pool our strengths and offer ambitious sailors a professional platform and transition to the top international level - not only in terms of sport, but also technologically at the highest level. For example, we are also discussing a collaboration with the Technical University of Munich. Participation in the F69 racing series is also planned.
Is the effort of a top-class sporting career still worth it today?
Definitely! Taking responsibility and developing as a person are key points that you don't learn at school or university. They can lead to success and also count in life. Willpower and perseverance are important. Everyone has a different starting position, but everyone can ask themselves: What would be possible?
