Welcome to the official site of the International 470 Class Association
North Sails | New Zealand
Olimpic Sails
470in2024
Rig Blitz
SuperSpars
Tender One
Zaoli Sails
  • Photos
470 General News

AIKO SAITO LEADS THE JAPANESE OLYMPIC SAILING TEAM

04 Apr 2018

Aiko Saito has been leading the Japanese Olympic sailing team for eleven years. Previously she was a coach and sailor who participated in the Olympic Games in Seoul and Atlanta in the 470 class.


Saito has her focus very firmly on the 'home' Olympics which Japan will organize in just over two years time. The primary goal, the 'big one' would be to land the first gold medal ever for Japanese sailing.  As the Olympic host country efforts and resources have been built up successively from Rio 2016, here at the 49 Trofeo Princesa Sofia Iberostar she is leading the largest fleet of Japanese sailors for many year.

This year how many Japanese athletes participate at the Sofía Iberostar?

" We have a  total of 44 sailors and 28 boats because this regatta is a qualifying event for the Olympic team in some classes. We have brought younger athletes because otherwise they do not have too many opportunities to race because World Sailing events have very limited entries."

What is the goal?

" At least we have to defend the title won last year by Tetsuya Isozaki and Akira Takayanagi, who won the gold in 470 M. It is the only event where everyone can fight where there is such a big fleet in competition. My first Sofia was in 1996 and I remember it as a very important part of my competition life. The prize giving ceremony is very special."

In two years, the Olympic Games will take place in Tokyo. How is the preparation going?

" The whole team is working hard to get our first gold in sailing at the Olympics after having achieved silver in Atlanta and bronze in Athens. I think we have medal possibilities in 470 M, 470 W, Laser Radial and RS: X M."

Do you like the choice of Enoshima as a sailing venue?

" In Tokyo itself it is very hot so Enoshima is much better because of the sea breeze. Early on it is quite strong but as the day goes on it drops a bit maybe to 12 knots. It will also be good that this time the competitions will take place in the early summer."

How is the country living the Olympic movement?

I believe now we are now starting to live a great Olympic moment. After the Winter Olympics in Korea feelings have grown. There is no doubt that Japan is famous for sports such as judo, gymnastics and swimming and sailing has never been a top sport but this time we can play an important role."

 

Source: http://www.trofeoprincesasofia.org