Childhood dream fulfilled

Olympic sailor is at home on the world’s oceans

Riding the Nacra 17 foil - duo Lukas Haberl and Tanja Frank (right).

(Bild: OeSV/Dominik Matesa)

Lukas Haberl, a Salzburger by choice, sails in the boat with Tanja Frank under the five rings. Preparations are in full swing. The second training block before Marseille awaits.

For the second of a total of four training blocks, Lukas Haberl is heading back to the sailing area off Marseille today. Where the Tyrolean-born sailor and his foresailor Tanja Frank (Union Yacht Club Neusiedlersee) will continue to fine-tune the Nacra 17 for the Olympic Games.

 "So far, the focus has been on material tests, but we're already pretty far along," says the 24-year-old, who is looking forward to racing. However, the helmsman also knows that big tests await: "It's difficult to adjust. During the test regattas, the wind came from all sides in turn."

Helmsman Haberl and foresailor Frank

(Bild: GEPA pictures/ Johannes Friedl)

While 31-year-old Frank, the 2016 Olympic bronze medallist in Rio, will be attacking under the five rings for the third time in the modified Nacra 17 after a detour in the 49erFX, Haberl is fulfilling a childhood dream with his premiere: "Since 2008, when I first consciously watched the Olympics on TV, I knew that I wanted to be there one day."

For three years, Haberl's declared hobby has been wingfoiling - the equipment is always where Lukas is.

(Bild: Lukas Haberl)

Haberl put many other things in his life on the back burner for this, benefiting from the advantages of being a student of the Salzburg School Sports Model (SSM) and finding his sailing home at UYC Mondsee. He also highlights the two-time Olympic champions in the Nacra 17 predecessor class Tornado Roman Hagara and Hans-Peter Steinacher as important mentors.

Six days a month in Salzburg - Olympic sailor Haberl is at home on the world's oceans.

(Bild: Tröster Andreas)

Having grown up in Vöcklabruck, the athlete has had an apartment in Salzburg for four years, where he has his main residence. "I spend six days a month there," says the Olympic starter, who has also become a Salzburg resident by choice. Or is he an Upper Austrian? "I can't say what I am." One thing is certain: at home on the world's oceans. On which he also indulges in his hobby of wingfoiling. The equipment is always with him.