Olympic Farewell of pinta elements with christening

STARNBERG, GERMANY. The setup could not have been better: the thermometer showed 30 degrees Celsius and a light breeze refreshed the Lake Starnberg. On shore at the Bavarian Yacht Club (BYC) the new Star boat, constructed by Marc Pickel was polished by him and his crew Ingo Borkowski to shine bright. And the international management of pinta elements acted as godfather, when the 470 sailors Steffi Rothweiler and Vivien Kussatz christened the boat of their team colleagues with champagne naming it “PINTA L”. It was the highlight of the Olympic farewell for the pinta racing team, which qualified for the Olympic Games in both classes and was nominated by the German Olympic sports association (DOSB) for the participation in Qingdao, China.

Vivien Kussatz and Steffi Rothweiler (left) christen the Star boat from Marc Pickel and Ingo Borkowski (right) on the name "PINTA L".

“Good luck in Qingdao 2008” was written above the white rag, that Michael Illbruck handed over to the four sailors of the pinta racing team. That symbolic act will later be followed by a presentation of the farewell flag, when all employees of pinta elements all over the world have signed the cloth to express their sympathy. “The whole company stands behind you and supports the project in full belief”, said the boss, “we are proud that you have been preparing in a much focussed way for the Olympics and received your tickets in the end. And we are very confident, that you will be successful at the Games.”

Before, the pinta racing team presented itself to the management and aroused curiosity and enthusiasm for their professional preparations. From private coaches to a weather consultant, from a rules expert to a mental trainer, the sailors have followed a much customised program to achieve their dream goal. And the goal is clear, very clear: a medal in China. “When we achieve this, we have made our wish come true. The colour of the medal is just another bonus”, said Marc Pickel.

The brand-new Star, the skilled boat builder constructed himself in Kiel, was examined by the invited guests as well as by the interested yacht club members, that had gathered for their traditional Wednesday race. The research done by the University of Applied Sciences in Kiel had developed a hull with keel and rudder that is especially optimized for the light wind conditions expected in Qingdao. Not only Rothweiler and Kussatz are wishing the “PINTA L”, standing for Light (weight) “all the best.”

Michael Illbruck explains the pinta racing team the "Good luck in Qingdao 2008" present, that will be signed by every single employee of pinta elements.