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Match Racing 360° chats to newly crowned Swiss national match racing champ Elodie Mettraux


Name: Elodie Jane Mettraux Age: 26 From: Geneva, Switzerland Team: Société Nautique de Genève Role on boat: Trimmer


MR360°: When did you start sailing? EM: When I was a little girl on my father’s boat on the Lake Léman during holidays.


MR360°: How did you get into match racing? EM: I started match racing with friends two years ago when we entered the Geneva Match Race Selections. I really liked the experience. Then, I tried to find some women to create a team. I always had a problem finding a helmsman who was available. Finally, Eric Monnin introduced me to Alexa Bezel and we began to sail together. Now, with my sister Laurane and Alexa, we have a team.


MR360°: What do you love about match racing? EM: The fact that I learn a lot about sailing doing it! It’s a new challenge for me.


MR360°: What has been your biggest achievement in match racing? EM: Winning the Swiss Match Race in Zug. Thanks to that event I get to go to St Moritz Match Race. I’m still surprised that I’ll be there!


MR360°: How did it feel to win the Swiss Match Racing Qualifier? EM: I was really happy to sail again with the guys from the CER team. I hadn’t sailed with them for two years and I was impressed to see how they had progressed during that time. I was glad they took me with them and happy to win this race with them.


MR360°: Are you looking forward to competing against the best teams in the world at St Moritz Match Race? EM: Yes! But I’m also looking forward to participating in a few matches with the team before St Moritz so we are prepared.


Elodie and her team. Photo: Juerg Kaufmann / www.juergkauffman.com


MR360°: You already beat Eric Monnin this season – is there anyone you particularly want to beat at St Moritz? EM: Yes, everyone! It would be great to win at least a few matches… But we are racing against the best teams in the world, so it will be hard.


MR360°: You’re going to be the only woman sailor at St Moritz Match Race – how do you feel about that? EM: How lucky I am!


MR360°: What are your thoughts on Women’s Match Racing? Should there be a women’s division in the World Match Racing Tour after the Olympics? EM: Yes, it would be great if there was a women’s division to the World Match Racing Tour so the teams who were put together for the Olympics could continue in match racing at a high level. And the same form for women and men is a good thing.


MR360°: What are your goals for the future? EM: Keep sailing, keep learning.


MR360°: Who is your match racing hero? EM: My brother would say Ben Ainslie… and so would I.


Elodie and her team. Photo: Juerg Kaufmann / www.juergkauffman.com MATCH RACING 360° | AUGUST 2011 page | 15


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