Sibling duo take the 2023 29er World title
The two words, Sailing and Family often go hand in hand, especially in the case of Clementine and Nathan Van Steenberge. This Sibling duo took their success’s to the next level last week as the sailed to victory becoming the NEW 29er World Champions in Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy in the UK.
We spoke to this pair recently at the Irish Sailing Investwise Youth Nationals, about what it is like sailing together as brother and sister. WATCH HERE
As for this week we caught up with our World Champions to hear all about their road to no.1!
What was your preparation like heading into the worlds?
We had quite a late start to the season due to school exams, But even though we weren’t able to sail, we worked immensely on our physical conditioning throughout winter.
We then had the opportunity to become training partners to the newly established irish sailing 29er development squad. Competing in Kiel Week as our main pre-worlds event training.
Had you set yourself any personal goals heading into British nationals and The World Championships?
British nationals served as a big fleet practice for us. We made sure not to tire ourselves out too much and hence while 3rd overall going into the last day, we stuck to our plan and decided to sit the last race day out.
Having finished 22nd last year, we knew we were capable of a much more dominant performance, so going into worlds our goal became a podium finish.
We were 5th overall going into the last day, so we knew that climbing into the top 3 was definitely achievable. The racecourse was set out in Weymouth bay which made for rather shifty conditions. We were well aware that this meant we needed to have our heads out of the boat and that consistency was key. For this reason it was important not to take any unnecessary risks on the start line. We sailed our own races without focusing on the points. Going into the last race we still didn’t have a high discard so we were able to race stress free.
And Finally How does it feel to be a World Champion?
Being a world champion is an incredible feeling. It represents the dedication, hard work, and commitment that sometimes goes unnoticed. It also comes with a feeling of gratitude for each other and for everyone who has helped us along the way.
Well there’s no denying the hard work this duo have put in, even in there ability to play make decisions on where to place there efforts throughout the year. This is again echoed by Development Coach Sean Evans.
Both sailors are very focused and determined individuals who’s passion for the detail is evident in their rise to become world champions. They have a very professional approach to their campaign both on and off the water making sure no stone is unturned on their pursuit of excellence.
The standard of the 29er fleet within Ireland is going from strength to strength and this is down to the coaches and sailors putting in the hard yards. I expect many more exciting things to come from these two and the fleet!
And exciting things there is as we watch the fleet compete this week at the Europeans in Sweden. Congratulations to all of the Irish 29ers who have put in an incredible season so far and much more to come.