Clear goal for the Olympics: High performance and a gold medal
Enoshima - a place synonymous with wind, waves and world-class sailing. And this is exactly where the German 49er pros Erik Heil and Thomas Plößel will begin their Olympic adventure in Tokyo 2020 (instead of 2021). The conditions could hardly be better: light winds, sunshine - perfect conditions for the kick-off on July 27.
Five years after their sensational bronze medal win at the Olympic Games in Rio, Heil and Plößel are aiming even higher this time. The focus is clearly on gold, and preparations are running with corresponding precision. Final equipment checks, wind measurements, mental coordination - nothing is left to chance.
"We're in good spirits and ready for the first three races," explains helmsman Erik Heil confidently. The confidence in their own performance and in the well-coordinated team dynamic is palpable. No wonder: the duo is considered one of the most experienced and well-rehearsed teams in the Olympic 49er class.
Lean Maritime supports the two top athletes and knows that timing, technique and teamwork are crucial on the high-speed two-handed skiff. Heil and Plößel have precisely these qualities - combined with an impressive competition routine and high resilience under pressure.
The 49er boat, known as perhaps the most spectacular of all Olympic sailing classes, demands absolute precision in every second. Every movement counts here - from the timing of the tack to perfect communication in changing wind conditions.
If you want to be there live when the duo start the regatta series, you can follow the races on the ZDF livestream.
We at Lean Maritime are keeping our fingers crossed and are convinced that Erik Heil and Thomas Plößel are ready for great things.
Lean Maritime supported the two German Olympic sailors on their way to Tokyo: