Mindset

What goes through the mind of Yentel Caers when competing?

During the season of 2015 - Yentel Caers (JP / Point-7) - started to show glimpses of what he is truly capable of as he took down seven-time world champion - Jose ‘Gollito’ Estredo (Fanatic / NorthSails / MFC) in the opening single elimination in Fuerteventura with a hugely impressive display packed with power and style. Caers would go on to finish 11th overall in 2015, but had already caught many people’s eyes as a potential major threat. In 2016 Caers transformed his potential into results which would lead to him breaking into the overall top 3 and he now has to be considered a serious title contender in years to come. If you’d like to hear about how the mind of one of the world’s best freestylers works while competing read on -  courtesy of Point-7.

Yentel Caers: “During the heat I try not to think too much and just focus on my own sailing. Normally I don’t have too much stress while sailing my heats, but this little bit of stress helps me to stay fresh and give everything I have. I try to focus on myself and don’t watch my opponent, of course you will see some moves from the other guys, but this also gives me a bit of extra adrenaline to try perform to the best of my ability. From the moment you think you’re losing it’s over because then, for me at least, your stress goes through the roof as you feel the pressure and that’s the moment when you start to make mistakes. 

Freestyle is a sport based on judgement, so you never can say before a heat who is going to win 100%. A little mistake can make the difference between advancing or being eliminated. It’s possible that your opponent may land the best move off the entire event, but this will not necessarily guarantee them the victory because sailing consistently is also really important as if you don’t complete your scoresheet it’s going to be almost impossible to advance, no matter how amazing one trick may have been.”

“You must be able to land all of the moves in any kind of conditions. Some people have a routine planned out in their head before their heat, but personally it’s not the way I approach competition sailing. Of course I have an idea in my mind about which moves I want to perform, but sometimes it’s not always possible, so it’s also important to be flexible with your approach so you can adapt to the conditions as they change. It’s not only you who decides, but nature also plays a big part, are you going to get exact gust, wave, or flat piece of water you need? You can’t know this beforehand.” 

“I try to prepare myself for all kind of conditions. I personally prefer strong winds, but I also really like the light wind conditions when everything become a bit more technical. You have to be prepared for everything. Follow your dreams/goals and try to have fun in competitions - this will keep the stress low and allow you to sail your best!”