Tall, Tanned & Talented

Sailor Profile:
Brendan Casey – “Tall, tanned and talented”

When he isn’t seen stalking the start line at club racing here at Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron he can be spotted jet setting around the world campaigning for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games in the Men’s Single Handed Laser Class.

The “He” I am referring to is the local talent Brendan Casey, who is home after his recent domination at the Mid Winters East Laser regatta in Tampa Florida.

Now I could continue with a substandard interview and ask Casey about the regatta and the experience overseas, however you can read all about that on the ISAF website. In short, Casey has been sailing Lasers for over 10 years and since winning the Radial World Title in 1995 has been hooked on this one design class that attracts some of the largest fleets around the world.

But it’s time to learn about the real Brendan Casey. We all understand he can sail and we all know he is the current Australian Laser Champion as a result of his recent win in December right here at the Squadron, but apart from that, do we really know this sailor who will again be representing us at prestigious regattas afar?

In wondering this, I asked him where we were more likely to see the real Brendan Casey in action. On the water, on land or on the dance floor! After a cheeky grin the response proved why this young enthusiastic sailor has the mental stature of a champion.

“I will fight to the death on the water, and be nice and social on shore. Haa haa about the dance floor, my social life is not the topic here! You be who you are, not what other people want you to be”

Deep, insightful, encouraging and definitely a shining star for the younger sailors below him eager to sway in the successful breeze where Casey is so often found.

Casey is a role model, and is often referred to in conversations relating to skill tact and agility, however this only when he is seen socialising, on the water when he’s actually racing Casey is considered a champion and one to aspire to. But not only this, he is always available to the fleets junior sailors training in development squads, to lend a helping hand and pass on advice experienced through his time as a top ranked competitor and athlete.

The next adventures Casey will battle is the French Olympic Classes Week in Hyeres, the ISAF World Games on Lake Neusiedl in Austria, Keel Week in Germany and the North American Championships in Nova Scotia, all while flying the RQYS Burgee with pride and representing Queensland and Australia at the worlds most prestige regattas. With his current world ranking standing at 11th, Casey will be aiming to break the top 10 barrier and showcase his training and preparation all whilst juggling a successful business, maintaining relationships with his family, friends and competitors, and generally enjoying life to the max.

All in all, Casey may be a little secretive about his social life but at least this tall, tanned and talented international man of mystery has his undivided focus on achieving the ultimate goal of any sailor, a gold medal at an Olympic Games, no matter how long it takes to achieve…

That’s the real Brendan Casey…

Check out Brendan Casey’s line of sailing gear at http://www.sailequipment.com.au