Sixteen years ago, Paul Foerster and Kevin Burnham of the U.S. Olympic Sailing Team captured the gold medal in the Men's 470 at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens over the 27-boat fleet. Foerster, a four-time Olympian, and Burnham, a three-time Olympian, had both medaled in the Olympics before. In three prior trips to the Olympic Games ('88, '92 and '00), Foerster had won two silver medals in the Flying Dutchman ('92), and the 470 ('00). Burnham earned a silver in the Men's 470 class in 1992. Foerster and Burnham joined forces in pursuit of a gold medal in 2004 and the pair succeeded triumphantly. With the win, Burnham became the oldest gold medal winner of all Team USA athletes at the 2004 Games. Foerster and Burnham were named Rolex Yachtsman of the Year for their gold medal performance. Gary Jobson catches up with these Olympic champions to reflect on their historic win and learn more about how they are engaging with the sport of sailing today.

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100 meters to the finish, we’re holding third place — then suddenly, the sound of the rudder chain snapping, and the yacht luffs sharply into the wind. The skipper stayed calm and acted fast, inserting the emergency tiller into the rudder stock to regain direct control of the rudder blade, bypassing the wheel. Thanks to the quick response, the yacht lost only a few positions and still crossed the finish line successfully. Back in the marina, technicians from the charter company were called in. They repaired the system and installed a new steering chain. A valuable lesson: never ignore play or looseness in the wheel — it’s often the first sign of trouble. #PAPARegatta #PAPARegatta2012 #TheArtOfSailing #ArtOfSailing #RudderFailure #CroatiaYachting #CroatiaSailing

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