Mark Mendelblatt Interview

Fresh off of victories in the 2006 Star Europeon Championships and 2006 Kiel Week, Mark talks to us about sailing in the Star class.

SG:  After representing the US in the 2004 games in the Laser what made you decide to get into the Star?

Mark:  I had my eye on the star for many years. For the 2004 Olympics, the laser was my best chance, so I stuck with it. Afterwards though, I bought a Star from Colin Beashel of Australia straigh from the Games and US sailing shipped it back to the States for me. It was a great way to get into the class and we managed to be competitive straight away.

SG:  After having sailed in the star for a couple of years now what are your impressions of the class?

Mark:  I love the Star class. As I said I was wanting to get into it for a long time, and I am very happy to be a part of the class now. It is one of the strongest class associations in the world, and takes good care of the class and sailors.

SG:  What equipment are you using (mast, sails, and boat) and your thoughts on each?

Mark:  I started sailing in a Folli (8157), but for the last couple regattas we have been sailing our new Lillia (8267). I think they are both great builders and each have their own strengths. The boats handle and feel quite differently though, and it will take some more time to figure out which one suits us best. We have a new Folli coming this November for the North Americans.  We use the Emmetti mast and Quantum sails. We almost always use the Z4 main and the P2 jib.  I feel like our equipment is as good as what anyone else is using, and we usually have good speed. I would not say that we have ever been the absolute fastest boat at any one regatta, but we usually feel like we are in the game and can do well if we race well.

SG:  How is your speed and point right now compared to other boats?

Mark:  Our speed is quite good, but we could use a little improvement with our pointing. It seems to me that the Lillia has a lower, faster mode than the Folli. I do not know which one makes better VMG though.

SG:  What do your see as the biggest difference between the Folli and Lillia?

Mark:  The Lillia seems a bit more lively both upwind and downwind. The Folli is probably a bit easier to keep in the groove upwind and points a little higher. Downwind, the Lillia is prone to roll a bit more and turns a little easier. They are both fine boats though, and it will be a tough choice for us in the future.

SG:  How did you prepare for the European Championship?

Mark:  Unfortunately we did not have any time before the regatta to prepare. I was in Spain racing big boats until the day before the first race. Strube went over a couple days early and did a great job rigging the boat and getting us registered. When we went out for the first race, the boat felt great and it was a really shifty 12 to 15 knot breeze. We were just on that day, and managed to get a little luck when we needed it. In the future, we plan to put in a lot more training days before the big events.

SG:  How close are you and Strube to the weight limit?

Mark:  Usually we are within a couple kilos, but not having to starve ourselves.

SG:  What preparation are you planning to do to the boat prior to the SF Worlds?

Mark:  We plan to begin sailing on September 21st, do the PCCs, then train for a few more days before the regatta starts. I think that most of the guys are on a similar plan.

SG:  Do you have a tuning partner?

Mark:  Not one that we have been working with yet, but we have plans to have one next year, and leading up to the trials.

SG:  Are you using a coach?

Mark:  We have used a friend of mine, Billy Schoenberg in the past. We grew up sailing against each other in the Optimist, and he knows me very well. We have not had a coach recently however, but I think it is important to have one. To have someone who knows your sailing look at the big picture from off the boat is very helpful.

SG:  What advise would you give to someone young coming into the class looking to get competitive quickly?

Mark:  Do not waste time with older gear. Get a fast boat, and use relatively new sails in the regattas. Otherwise you will never know how good you are. Also, it would be wise to get a good coach with a lot of experience in the class.

SG:  What other sailing are you doing besides the Star?

Mark:  Transpac 52s, Farr 40s and some Maxi sailing. A small bit of match racing as well.

SG:  What are your doing when you are not sailing?

Mark:  Golfing.

SG:  How can folks keep track of your progress towards representing the US in 2008?

Mark:  Either follow the big Star regattas online at starclass.org or sailing.org, or visit my website at mendelblattsailing.com.

SG:  I'm sure money is always an issue with an Olympic Campaign. What can folks do to help?

Mark:  I have a 501c3 set up at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club. People who support us have made tax deductible contributions to S.P.A.R. c/o Mark Mendelblatt, 1517 Brightwaters Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33704.