4/11/2012

Sabot Interview: Max Brill

Garth Reynolds

Winner of the 4-Regatta North Series

Winner Max Brill used the North XLR8 design to win the 4-regatta Series.
© Mission Bay Yacht Club

Here's a brief interview we did with Max Brill, winner of the 4-regatta North Series at Mission Bay in San Diego.

Nice going winning the overall North Series! Looks like the XLR8 is a perfect fit for your sailing style and your mast.

What pre-regatta routines do you do before racing in the Sabot? 
Max: My pre-regatta routine is to go online the night before and check out the weather, wind and current. On the day of the event, I try to get on the water early enough to note the wind and shift patterns and tune with another boat.

What North Sail did you use for the series? What is your favorite thing about the sail?  
Max: I used the North Sail XLR8 for all 4 regattas in the North Series. The XLR8 performed extremely well for me across varied wind conditions.

If there was one thing you could change on your sail, what would it be? 
Max: The A Fleet sailors competing with the North Sail T5 seemed to accelerate faster off the line and did really well in light breeze. So given the light wind conditions we experience in SoCal, the T5 would also be a good choice.

The North weapons for the Sabot class: The XLR8 (8815) and T5 (8751) designs.
© Mission Bay Yacht Club

The North Series covers 4 different events at 4 different venues, how do you stay up on your game between the events? 
Max: I compete in most of the local Sabot regattas and clinics, which help improve my skills. I always look forward to the North Series regattas because I know there is going to be good competition, and I'm going to see friends and have fun.

You scored 2 OCSs in the first event.how did this change your game plan going into the remaining 3 events?  
Max: After the 2 OCS's on Day 1 of the 1st regatta at ABYC, I realized I would not be able to place at this event. However, knowing that the North Series consists of 4 regattas allowing for 4 throw outs I knew I had a good shot at doing well overall and I didn't let it effect my game plan or confidence.

You won 7 races in the 26-race North Series, and you scored a bunch of 2s and 3s.how do you stay so consistent? 
Max: Over the past few years I've had the opportunity to sail with some really talented Sabot sailors and I've learned a  lot from their strategy and tactics. My goal is always to get a good start, sail in clean air and have options.
 
Thanks again Max, and congrats! You should be really excited!

Learn more about the North Fast Sabot designs!