Flashback to Cologne: Gay Games VIII sailing competition

From games-cologne.de:

"Decisions should be made democratically, especially concerning controling a boat."

The essential meaning of teamwork clearly surfaces during the sailing competition. The participants, divided into beginner and advancer division, competed in Valk boats with 3 persons on board. Even the team constellation is worth mentioning.

For example the team “A.S.S” included members from three different continents. They came from Europe (Amsterdam), Australia (Sydney) and USA (Seattle) to sail together at Gay Games VIII. Their love of sailing created an instant connection, even with their different cultural backgrounds, and they worked together as a team. Onboard, there is a lively and polite atmosphere; decisions must be made quickly and in unison, similar to a commando unit.

Team „Liberty“ has a similar approach. Its members come from Netherlands, Iceland and the USA. Very soon after meeting, they agreed on an original mix of sailing commands of different languages. “Teamwork is important and decisions should be made democratically , especially concerning controling a boat” says the team skipper. Every participant arrived as a single sportsman, they found each other at the harbor, and now have grown together as a team.

The amount of male and female athletes is very balanced. The Team “Liberty” started with one man and two women.

A sailing regatta is the unique kind of sport, which took place near Cologne in the Dutch Roermond on the Maas Lakes. The VIII. Gay Games was financially supported by the city Roermond and therefore made possible that sailing be part of Gay Games VIII. The regatta was organised with the support of the Sailing Clubs in Maas en Roer.

More photos can be found at http://www.qubesport.net/photos