Robert Scheidt Looks Back On 1991 ISAF Youth Worlds

Brazilian Star sailor Robert Scheidt is one of the most decorated sailing Olympians ever, having competed in four Olympic Games winning gold in the Laser in 1996 and 2004.

But his journey on the international sailing scene began in the small Scottish town of Largs in North Ayrshire. This is where Scheidt sailed the Laser at the 1991 ISAF Youth Sailing World Championship winning the gold medal ahead of Dean Barker (NZL).

“The Youth Worlds in 1991 was an amazing event for me,” said Scheidt. “It was probably the event that made me more confident about myself and my chances of being a great athlete.”

Five years on from the 1991 Scheidt was picking up Laser gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Sailing Competition ahead of another former ISAF Youth Worlds gold medallist, Ben Ainslie (GBR).

And Scheidt, now sailing the Star with fellow Brazilian Bruno Prada, offers advice to this year’s competitors, “For the young guys who are going to this years event, just enjoy it. It is like the mini Olympics and will show who will be the future champions. Enjoy it, make friends and do the best you can.”

View an interview with Scheidt as he talks about his memories of the 1991 ISAF Youth Worlds, his rivalry against Dean Barker in Scotland and see what advice he gives young aspiring sailors at the 2011 ISAF Youth Worlds in Zadar, Croatia.