Leon Falta has burst onto the SL Sailing scene and will be up against nobuko Criss in the bracket on Saturday Feb 6th. I was able to score this interview with this outstanding newcomer. Thanks so much to Leon for agreeing to talk with me.
1) Hello Leon, first congratulations for your qualification for the final stages of the ACA-SL Cup. Before getting into the meat of the interview, can you tell us something about your SL experience so far?
Léon: In short, let’s say one always believes to have seen everything on SL and finally, every day we discover new things more or less interesting. And sometimes you come across things really interesting. The best, I found my “SL woman” and SL sailing, but also I still have the desire to discover more. This explains it:)
2) How did you come to sail in SL?
Léon: Quite simply, one of my best friends “CaroForFun Oh” told me about the sailing club Les Glénans, which is super friendly, and then she made me discover this great boat that is the ACA33. I immediately felt in love with it, I like it very much, especially a nice design is what seduced me immediately.
3) I understand that the ACA-SL Cup race was the first “official” race for you. What led you to enter?
Léon: A great boat as the ACA33 had nothing to do with it…well…it would be sad or a pity NOT to race in that boat. She is designed as a boat made for racing, Isn’t she? After all it was a matter of meeting with other French people, and emulation in a small group. At this time we met Bea, so from that point, she took matters in hand and she found the right words to motivate us:).
4) How did you prepare for these races?
Léon: With my friends (some from YCOA) Caro, Momo, Joly, and Ella, and of course our coach Bea. We worked well and practiced tactics. Bea has made us drool, but her advice was very valuable. We worked hard, and the competitive spirit did the rest in joy and good humor.
5) How have you experienced this first racing event, in terms of experience, atmosphere, pressure, etc.?
Léon: Very well, cold hands for a little tense, but a “warm heart” ready for the race. In a frenchie spirit ”Rum women and beer dammit that’s what we need!” 
note: Words from a song by a french band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTiHkhdLFOU&feature=related
6) How do you see your future in the finals next Saturday?
Léon: Doing what I am able to do as a beginner, I am already very happy to be there, I will enjoy. I shall not mind, all this is a game
7) Will we see you soon at the start of other races?
Léon: Yes, Why not? It’s cool to be able to do this kind of racing:)
Not always easy for non-English speakers, but the atmosphere is nice and the people rather always ready to help.
Finally, what advice would you give to a beginner who wants to compete as you did, and what lessons do you draw?Léon: Well, find a good coach and team mates, then practice practice and practice again… Above all, the most important is to have fun and and to keep in mind we are here to have some good time. “If you listen to your coach you will win the victory”
9) Any final words?
Léon: I hope strongly that the server to SL will be improved for a better sailing experience… and good luck to others.:)
Thanks so very much Leon for taking the time to talk with me. May the server gods be good to all the sailors on Saturday!
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Pour les francophones, l’article a été traduit ici.
Nice interview and alway great to see new sailors so excited about joining our community. Good Luck on Saturday Leon.