The International Sailing Federation (ISAF) and Rolex announced the Nominees for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards 2014 and the RS:X class is proud that Charline Picon, the current RS:X World and European Champion is one of nominees.
Charline’s aim for 2014 was straight to the point, become Women’s RS:X World Champion. The title had eluded Charline on eight previous attempts but her thirst for the crown was persistent. Having shown her rivals she meant business at ISAF Sailing World Cup Mallorca and the European Championship she went into the Santander 2014 ISAF Worlds as red hot favourite. She laid down a day one marker with two race wins and never looked back, taking the title with a day to spare and finished a staggering 40 points clear of second place.
The all of our class member MNAs are invited to vote for Charline so we could witness her glory at the Rolex gala held in Palma during the ISAF Annual Conference.
Anyway, the RS:X Class is keeping fingers crossed for Charline!
Charline’s major achievements
World Championship
1 – Santander 2014 ISAF Sailing World Championships, ESP – Sep 2014
ISAF Sailing World Cup
1 – ISAF SWC Mallorca, ESP – Mar 2014
6 – ISAF SWC Miami, USA – Feb 2014
European Championship
1 – RS:X Europeans Alactai, TUR – Jun 2014
Other
1 – 2014 Aquece Rio – International Sailing Regatta, Rio de Janeiro, BRA – Aug 2014
1 – Semaine Olympique Francaise, La Rochelle, FRA – Oct 2013
1 – 2013 ISAF Sailing World Championship Test Event, Santander, ESP – Sep 2013
Charline’s Q&A
What was the first boat you ever sailed and how old were you?
Optimist when I was 10 years old with my school
Name your first sailing club
Club Nautic La Tremblade
What was the first event you competed in and in what year?
French Championship in 1998, Martigues Lake
What are you personal sailing career highlights?
This year with the gold at the ISAF Sailing World Championships, in the Europeans, in the Test event and in the Palma World Cup. My first medal in RSX was very nice too, in Brest 2008 with silver.
What are your future sailing goals?
Have the same year in 2015 and for sure looking for gold in Rio 2016…
Who has had the greatest impact on your sailing and career and why?
My family and friends who supported be to join Oman Sail’s Women Sailing Program. My colleage and team mated in Oman Sail and my mentor Dee Caffari.
Who is your sailing hero?
Faustine Merret, gold in Athens
What other sports do you enjoy?
Stand up paddle, ski during winter and windsurfing in waves
What does being nominated for the ISAF Rolex World Sailor of the Year Awards mean to you and how would you feel if you were voted the winner?
It’s an honor and I’m proud. Only great sailors are nominated. I know I had a great year but didn’t realize fully…If I am the winner i will be so happy and proud.
ISAF Rolex WSOY Awards 2014 – The Nominees
Text and photos: ISAF/RS:X
