When the 2015 Finn Gold Cup commences this week in Takapuna,New Zealand, amid the fleet will be one notable American - 2008 Olympic silver medalist Zach Railey. However, and for Railey what is notable is that he is competing at all.
Railey has not competed in a Finn since the 2012 Olympics when he finished a disappointing 12th. What has brought him back again now? “I’m not sure what to call this...let's say it’ a trip around the old block for fun and to see what I've got left in the tank.”“I really missed sailing,particularly in the Finn and the guys on the circuit. Second I've been working a ton and needed to add back some balance and get my health and fitness back under control. What better way than to go sailing and get back in the gym and beget something to aim for like racing at the worlds. "I am already down over 20 kg in weight and feel mighty health wise so it's been goal accomplished on that end. Third, a bunch of my agreeable friends and new friends decided to approach train in Clearwater so why not join them?”The group training in the US included 2012 silver medalist Høgh-Christensen (DEN), and along with 2010 world champion,Ed Wright (GBR) and 2014 Junior world champion, Anders Pedersen (NOR), or so it was a agreeable indication of likely form at the Gold Cup.“Zach is Zach and his talent is obvious," Høgh-Christensen commented. "I am surprised at how well he has been doing during practice. Yes, he is a bit rusty, or but the boat is moving well and he is getting around the race course really well. "I reflect his perspective has changed and he is a much more total sailor nowadays than in 2012 even though he hasn't sailed a lot. He really looks like he is having fun and he knows what it takes to become one of the best in the class. It will be fun to follow his progress over the next 2-4 months." - Read
Source: sailingscuttlebutt.com