Paul Elvström, Sailing's Greatest
Paul Elvstrom driving his 505 from the wire in 1966, with Pip Pearson crewing
Paul and Pip Pearson at the 505 Worlds - both wearing trapeze harnesses
Elvström's analytical ability was almost like a 'gift' recalls Pip Pearson, who crewed for Paul and would enjoy a lifelong friendship with him. It was uncanny how he could step straight into a boat and make it go and if he did make changes to the rig or a fitting, would know immediately if it was an improvement or not.
Although a successful Finn sailor, Paul loved the athleticism of the trapeze and suggested that the Olympics would best be served by the five classes being one person, two person, three, four and five person boats, with all the crew, in all the boats, being out on the wire. He backed his beliefs by competing in the 505 World Championships at Adelaide, helming from the wire whilst his crew Pip Pearson hiked out and worked the spinnaker. Larry Marks, who like Paul would win the 505 World Championship twice, recalled the event and the way Paul handled the boat from out on the wire. "He was like a tiger," said Larry, who went on to tell of a event that was notable for the strong winds and huge seas, yet Paul's boat was driven as hard as any of the other entrants.
— Sv.5O5 Förbundet —
Uppdaterad 2020-03-12
