Olympic profile: Karlo Curet

Details about Croatia's leading Finn sailor

34 year old Croatian sailor Karlo Kuret has had one of the longest associations with the Finn of all those competing in the men's singlehander at Athens. His first major regatta in the class was back in 1993 when he finished a creditable fifth at Hyeres. He subsequently represented his country at two Olympics finishing 19th in Savannah and 10th in Sydney.

This year he has not been finished out of the top 10 in the class including a third place at Kielerwoche, a position he currently holds going into day five of racing in Athens.

Name: Karlo Kuret

Where and when were you born? Split, Croatia, 28.Feb 1970.

Marital status? Yes, wife Sandy 31, dothers, Lea 8, and Tea 5.

What age did you start sailing and what was your first regatta win? Started at 10.

What's your biggest event or championship win? Silver medal Europeans 2000.

Any other notable regattas you'd like to mention? Finn Gold Cup 2002, 4th

Where did you grow up? Split

If you're not sailing what job would you do? Mechanichal engineering

What other sports do you do outside sailing? Badminton, cycling, Ski,

Any other hobbies or interests? Happy family

Favourite method of relaxing? Didn’t find it yet

What inspired you to take up sailing? My father

Which class did you first race in? Optimist

How did you buy your first boat? My father bought me my Optimist for Christmass

Outside the Olympics, what's your biggest remaining goal in sailing? Pleasure

How much time do you spend on the water each week? 10-15 hours

Do you have a sponsor and if so, who? Pedrini

Who are your sailing heroes and why? None

What is the best excuse you've ever made for a poor performance in a race? Many of them…

What's your favourite sailing venue and why? Palma de Mallorca - warm, nice, close courses, nice YC,…

What's your greatest strength in sailing? Consistancy (I hope)

What's your greatest weakness in sailing? Sometimes a lack of aggression

What's the single most important piece of advice you could give to younger sailors? Never give up!

Who's the best sailor in the world? ???? Ben Anslie, Russell Coutts, and me!