Fernando Echavarri
Encyclopedia
Fernando Echavarri Erasun (born August 13, 1971 in Santander
, Spain
) is a professional yachtsman in the Olympic Tornado Class
. Teaming with crew Antón Paz Blanco
, he became Spanish, European, World Champion, ISAF Sailor of the year in 2005, Olympic Gold Medalist at the Beijing Games held in Qingdao.
, Fernando's family moved to Pontevedra
, Galicia when he was five due to his father medical practice as surgeon
chief in the Montecelo Hospital. He has two brothers (Carlos and Javier) and one younger sister (Beatriz).
at age eight and soon joined the local sailing school where he excelled in the Optimist
fleet of the Real Club Náutico de Sangenjo. His brothers and sister soon joined him and made sailing their common passion, racing regattas all over Spain
and Portugal
. Although his parents (Carlos and Beatriz) did not sail, they adapted their spare time and vacations to their kids racing calendar, always encouraging them to enjoy the sport. At age 15, Fernando completed the Optimist class and entered the laser (dinghy)
class sailing the standard rig while only 60 kg and 170 cm. Although only competitive in light conditions, he soon developed a special technique downwind that gave him fantastic results at a national level.
chose the Laser (dinghy)
as the new one-person dinghy to be competed in Atlanta 1996. At that time, Fernando had joined the Spanish military draft Servicio Militar in the Ejército de Tierra de España. His duties mainly focused in being the assistant of the Lieutenant Colonel
in charge of the BRILAT (Brigada de Infanteria Aerotransportable) located in Pontevedra
. It was at this time that Fernando truly showed his speed nature by winning every race in the laser (dinghy)
in Galicia from 1991-1996 and by driving on time his Lieutenant Colonel
all over the country. After 12 months in the military service, he was surprisingly discharged with honors. His old Lieutenant Colonel
was later quoted saying "Fernando was the best chief assistant the Ejército de Tierra de España ever had". However, close ones doubt this highly, mostly because the overwhelming amount of anecdotes during Fernando's military service. Due to his merits, his commander was eager to provide special permits for Fernando to compete and train. It was in Spring 1993 that Fernando passed the trials to become a member in the Spanish Pre-Olympic Sailing Team Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, a position he held from 1992 to 1996. During these years he was second in the nationals in 1995 and 1996, but missed the final cut to represent Spain
in the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games
. Although extremely competitive in light and mid air, his performance in windy conditions was not competitive enough. In order to enhance his competitiveness, he raced with a weighted jacket, but, as result, he developed a chronic back injury
. A damage that although partially cured, still persist to this day.
is a two person catamaran that achieves very high speeds. It was added in 1976 to the assortment of boats in the Olympic Event overseen by the International Sailing Federation. The Tornado was designed in the autumn of 1967 by Rodney March from England, with help from Terry Pierce, and Reg White, specifically for the purpose of being the new Olympic Catamaran, which was to be selected by the IYRU in an Olympic Catamaran Trials. The boat was developed mainly in Brightlingsea, England. The Tornado has since remained unchallenged as the ultimate one-design catamaran. Even more after several design updates have been introduced over the years. With its modern, stylish rigging and sleek lines the Tornado is quick to catch the eye of any water-drawn on-looker as it speeds across harbors, lakes, and oceans in over 40 countries around the world. With its ability to reach speeds of 14-16 knots upwind, and 33+ knots downwind or reaching, the Tornado is truly the purists' speed machine.
The early years in the Tornado class were hard. Having a limited budget, and lacking a technical background in catamarans, they concentrated in physical condition, sailing, maximizing resources, while learning the basics. During these early years, all economical resources come from Fernando's parent's who saw a total dedication on both sailors. However, slowly, the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation realized about potential of this duo. Importantly, good references from Tornado gold medalist and world champion Fernando León, his crew Pepote Ballester and the Tornado national coach Antonio Navarro, plus some promising results, promoted their presence in the National team. This brought them to a new level because León/Ballester were an international top team winning in Atlanta 1996. In 2000, Fernando and Antón were chosen as sparring (team B) in the Spanish Olympic sailing team for the Sidney 2000 Olympics.
. The conditions were difficult with a mix of light to strong winds with wild changes in direction. The gold medal winners were Roman HAGARA and Hans Peter STEINACHER of Austria followed by the Americans Johnny Lovell and Charlie Ogletree. Hagara and Steniacher also won the gold medal in Sydney Australia. The Spanish team finished 7th place overall. However, this was the confirmation period with national institutions such as RFEV, FGV, Plan ADO, and private sponsors including Telefónica-Movistar helping their Olympic effort.
), 2005 Tornado World Championship (in France
), plus most of the Eurolympic circuit races. As a result, they were awarded with the Rolex-ISAF World Sailor of the Year
in 2005. Although the year 2006 showed inconsistent results due to Fernando racing some legs in the Volvo Ocean Race
, the Tornado season was quite satisfactory with wins in the South America championship and 7th in the World's. Both races held in consecutive weeks in Buenos Aires
Argentina
. The season 2007 peaked in the ISAF-worlds in Cascais
Portugal
were Fernando and Antón become winners of this event for a second time. Importantly, they saved their passport to Beijing 2008. The conditions in China are expected to be of marginal quality with strong currents and light shifty winds that will produce unexpected results. The won the gold medal in the Tornado Class. Out of the 11 races held Fernando and Anton won four races with a total score of 44 points. Getting the silver medal was Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby of Australia with 49 points, and getting the bronze was Santiago Lange and Carlos Espinola of Argentina with 56 points.
, European and world's titles. In 2006, the Movistar Volvo Ocean Race
team included him in the crew to race the Rio de Janeiro-Baltimore, Baltimore-New York, New York-Plymouth legs. Sadly, drama hit the New York-Plymouth stage due to structural damage in the keel system of the Movistar VOR70 that forced the crew to abandon ship when battling a North Atlantic storm. It was the courageous crew of ABN AMRO 2 who saved them from an uncertain fate in what may have been one of the most emotional moments in offshore sailing ever.
In 2008, Fernando was name skipper of one of the two Spanish entries in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009, Telefonica Black. The ten leg race started in Alicante Spain on October 4 with an inshore race, followed by the first leg from Alicante to Cape Town South Africa. Telefonica suffered structural damage to the rudder and finished the first leg in last place. In Leg 4, Telefonica Black experienced very rough headwinds and waves and a crack developed on the port side of the boat. Fernando wisely withdrew from that leg and took refuge in the Philippines. The boat was later sent to Singapore and has been shipped to Rio de Janeiro for the start of Leg 6. Telefonica Black never made it to China and missed the entire 12,500 mile leg from China to Rio during Feb-Mar 2009. Leg 6 starts on April 11 in Rio with an in port race on April 4. Leg 6 finishes in Boston. Fernando has committed to racing MIT Tech Dinghies against his brother and many other American Champions of the sailing world (Exner, Polzin, Carlos). Mr. Echavarri was also challenged to navigate a Volvo boat in the Virtual Race during Leg 5, but declined to participate due to mental duress.
Volvo Round the World Ocean Race
Tornado World's finishings
Tornado Europeans finishings
Tornado North American finishings
Tornado South American finishings
Tornado Spanish finishings
Laser Spanish finishings
:
Volvo Round the World Ocean Race, Telefonica Black, 6th of 8 boats, with 58 points.
2008
Olympic diploma China 2008, 1st in Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games,
3rd Tornado Asian Pacific Regatta (Melbourne, Australia)
2007
Tornado world Champion (Cascais, Lisbon), 2nd in the Tornado world ranking, 3rd in the Rolex Miami, 3rd in the North American championship (Miami), 1st Spanish Nationals, 1st Spanish cup.
2006
1st in the Tornado world ranking, 5th in the Rolex Miami, Miami Rolex, 3rd in the North American championship, 5th France Olympic Week (Hyeres), Volvo Ocean Race
in the Movistar, 4th in the Beneteau 25 World Championship Vigo
, Royal Order Sportsmanship Merit, Olympic Medal of the Spanish Olympic Committee, Unión Fenosa Medal "best sailors of the Year", record holder of the International Sailing Federation
(ISAF) Ranking (18 consecutive months), 1st Copa del Rey
with Movistar.
2005
Tornado World Champion La Rochelle
, Tornado European Champion Västervik
, Spanish Champion Palma de Mallorca
, Rolex-ISAF Sailor of the Year, 1st Spanish Tornado Cup (Palma de Mallorca), 1st Tornado World Ranking International Sailing Federation
, 1st Holland Regatta, 1st Barcelona Olympic Week, 1st Christmas Race, 4th Hobbie Tiger World's, 3rd IMS World's Movistar, 1st Spanish IMS 500 Movistar.
2004
Olympic diploma Athens 2004, 7th in Athens 2004 summer Olympic Games, 1st Tornado World Ranking (February) International Sailing Federation
, 4th Tornado World Championship Palma de Mallorca
, 5th Tornado European Championship Gran Canaria
, 2nd Trofeo S.A.R Princesa Sofia, 1st Spanish Cup, 3rd France Olympic Week (Hyeres), 5th Holland Regatta, 2nd Christmas Race.
2003
6th Tornado European Championship Cagliari
, 1st Tornado Spanish Championship, 1st Tornado Spanish Cup, 1st Barcelona Olympic Week, 3rd Carnival Race (Cadiz
), 4th Trofeo S.A.R Princesa Sofia, 3rd France Olympic Week (Hyeres), 4th Holland Regatta, 5th Kieler Woche.
Santander, Cantabria
The port city of Santander is the capital of the autonomous community and historical region of Cantabria situated on the north coast of Spain. Located east of Gijón and west of Bilbao, the city has a population of 183,446 .-History:...
, Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
) is a professional yachtsman in the Olympic Tornado Class
Tornado (sailboat)
The Tornado is an two person multihull class recognised as an International Class by the International Sailing Federation. It was used for the Olympic Catamaran discpline for over 30 years.-Background:...
. Teaming with crew Antón Paz Blanco
Antón Paz Blanco
Antón Paz Blanco is a Galician sailor. With his partner Fernando Echavarri he won a gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The two also competed at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, where they finished eighth. He is from the town of Vilagarcia de Arousa, Galicia, Spain.-References:*...
, he became Spanish, European, World Champion, ISAF Sailor of the year in 2005, Olympic Gold Medalist at the Beijing Games held in Qingdao.
Origins
Born and raised in SantanderSantander, Cantabria
The port city of Santander is the capital of the autonomous community and historical region of Cantabria situated on the north coast of Spain. Located east of Gijón and west of Bilbao, the city has a population of 183,446 .-History:...
, Fernando's family moved to Pontevedra
Pontevedra
Pontevedra is a city in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula. It is the capital of both the comarca and province of Pontevedra, in Galicia . It is also the capital of its own municipality which is, in fact, often considered as an extension of the actual city...
, Galicia when he was five due to his father medical practice as surgeon
Surgeon
In medicine, a surgeon is a specialist in surgery. Surgery is a broad category of invasive medical treatment that involves the cutting of a body, whether human or animal, for a specific reason such as the removal of diseased tissue or to repair a tear or breakage...
chief in the Montecelo Hospital. He has two brothers (Carlos and Javier) and one younger sister (Beatriz).
Learning to sail
Fernando first sailed in a 38 feet ketchKetch
A ketch is a sailing craft with two masts: a main mast, and a shorter mizzen mast abaft of the main mast, but forward of the rudder post. Both masts are rigged mainly fore-and-aft. From one to three jibs may be carried forward of the main mast when going to windward...
at age eight and soon joined the local sailing school where he excelled in the Optimist
Optimist (dinghy)
The Optimist is a small, single-handed sailing dinghy intended for use by children up to the age of 15. Nowadays boats are usually made of fiber reinforced plastic, although wooden boats are still built....
fleet of the Real Club Náutico de Sangenjo. His brothers and sister soon joined him and made sailing their common passion, racing regattas all over Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
and Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
. Although his parents (Carlos and Beatriz) did not sail, they adapted their spare time and vacations to their kids racing calendar, always encouraging them to enjoy the sport. At age 15, Fernando completed the Optimist class and entered the laser (dinghy)
Laser (dinghy)
The International Laser Class sailboat, also called Laser Standard and the Laser One is a popular one-design class of small sailing dinghy. According the Laser Class Rules the boat may be sailed by either one or two people, though it is rarely sailed by two. The design, by Bruce Kirby, emphasizes...
class sailing the standard rig while only 60 kg and 170 cm. Although only competitive in light conditions, he soon developed a special technique downwind that gave him fantastic results at a national level.
The Olympic endeavor
In 1992, at age 20, the International Sailing FederationInternational Sailing Federation
The International Sailing Federation is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing body for the sport of sailing....
chose the Laser (dinghy)
Laser (dinghy)
The International Laser Class sailboat, also called Laser Standard and the Laser One is a popular one-design class of small sailing dinghy. According the Laser Class Rules the boat may be sailed by either one or two people, though it is rarely sailed by two. The design, by Bruce Kirby, emphasizes...
as the new one-person dinghy to be competed in Atlanta 1996. At that time, Fernando had joined the Spanish military draft Servicio Militar in the Ejército de Tierra de España. His duties mainly focused in being the assistant of the Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
in charge of the BRILAT (Brigada de Infanteria Aerotransportable) located in Pontevedra
Pontevedra
Pontevedra is a city in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula. It is the capital of both the comarca and province of Pontevedra, in Galicia . It is also the capital of its own municipality which is, in fact, often considered as an extension of the actual city...
. It was at this time that Fernando truly showed his speed nature by winning every race in the laser (dinghy)
Laser (dinghy)
The International Laser Class sailboat, also called Laser Standard and the Laser One is a popular one-design class of small sailing dinghy. According the Laser Class Rules the boat may be sailed by either one or two people, though it is rarely sailed by two. The design, by Bruce Kirby, emphasizes...
in Galicia from 1991-1996 and by driving on time his Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
all over the country. After 12 months in the military service, he was surprisingly discharged with honors. His old Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
was later quoted saying "Fernando was the best chief assistant the Ejército de Tierra de España ever had". However, close ones doubt this highly, mostly because the overwhelming amount of anecdotes during Fernando's military service. Due to his merits, his commander was eager to provide special permits for Fernando to compete and train. It was in Spring 1993 that Fernando passed the trials to become a member in the Spanish Pre-Olympic Sailing Team Royal Spanish Sailing Federation, a position he held from 1992 to 1996. During these years he was second in the nationals in 1995 and 1996, but missed the final cut to represent Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
in the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games
Olympic Games
The Olympic Games is a major international event featuring summer and winter sports, in which thousands of athletes participate in a variety of competitions. The Olympic Games have come to be regarded as the world’s foremost sports competition where more than 200 nations participate...
. Although extremely competitive in light and mid air, his performance in windy conditions was not competitive enough. In order to enhance his competitiveness, he raced with a weighted jacket, but, as result, he developed a chronic back injury
Back injury
Back injuries result from damage, wear, or trauma to the bones, muscles, or other tissues of the back. Common back injuries include sprains and strains, herniated disks, and fractured vertebrae. The lumbar is often the site of back pain. The area is susceptible because of its flexibility and the...
. A damage that although partially cured, still persist to this day.
Tornado sailing.
In Spring 1997 Fernando teamed with Antón Paz Blanco as crew to race in the Tornado Olympic catamaran for the Sidney 2000 summer Olympics. The Tornado ClassTornado (sailboat)
The Tornado is an two person multihull class recognised as an International Class by the International Sailing Federation. It was used for the Olympic Catamaran discpline for over 30 years.-Background:...
is a two person catamaran that achieves very high speeds. It was added in 1976 to the assortment of boats in the Olympic Event overseen by the International Sailing Federation. The Tornado was designed in the autumn of 1967 by Rodney March from England, with help from Terry Pierce, and Reg White, specifically for the purpose of being the new Olympic Catamaran, which was to be selected by the IYRU in an Olympic Catamaran Trials. The boat was developed mainly in Brightlingsea, England. The Tornado has since remained unchallenged as the ultimate one-design catamaran. Even more after several design updates have been introduced over the years. With its modern, stylish rigging and sleek lines the Tornado is quick to catch the eye of any water-drawn on-looker as it speeds across harbors, lakes, and oceans in over 40 countries around the world. With its ability to reach speeds of 14-16 knots upwind, and 33+ knots downwind or reaching, the Tornado is truly the purists' speed machine.
The early years in the Tornado class were hard. Having a limited budget, and lacking a technical background in catamarans, they concentrated in physical condition, sailing, maximizing resources, while learning the basics. During these early years, all economical resources come from Fernando's parent's who saw a total dedication on both sailors. However, slowly, the Royal Spanish Sailing Federation realized about potential of this duo. Importantly, good references from Tornado gold medalist and world champion Fernando León, his crew Pepote Ballester and the Tornado national coach Antonio Navarro, plus some promising results, promoted their presence in the National team. This brought them to a new level because León/Ballester were an international top team winning in Atlanta 1996. In 2000, Fernando and Antón were chosen as sparring (team B) in the Spanish Olympic sailing team for the Sidney 2000 Olympics.
The 2004 Olympic campaign
Fernando Echavarri and Anton Paz represented Spain in the Athens 2004 summer Olympic GamesSummer Olympic Games
The Summer Olympic Games or the Games of the Olympiad are an international multi-sport event, occurring every four years, organized by the International Olympic Committee. Medals are awarded in each event, with gold medals for first place, silver for second and bronze for third, a tradition that...
. The conditions were difficult with a mix of light to strong winds with wild changes in direction. The gold medal winners were Roman HAGARA and Hans Peter STEINACHER of Austria followed by the Americans Johnny Lovell and Charlie Ogletree. Hagara and Steniacher also won the gold medal in Sydney Australia. The Spanish team finished 7th place overall. However, this was the confirmation period with national institutions such as RFEV, FGV, Plan ADO, and private sponsors including Telefónica-Movistar helping their Olympic effort.
The 2008 Olympic campaign
With renewed energies, Fernando and Antón started their Beijing 2008 summer Olympics campaign winning the Tornado Spain nationals, Europeans (in SwedenSweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
), 2005 Tornado World Championship (in France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
), plus most of the Eurolympic circuit races. As a result, they were awarded with the Rolex-ISAF World Sailor of the Year
ISAF World Sailor of the Year Awards
-Background:The ISAF World Sailor of the Year Awards were launched in 1994 by the International Sailing Federation. The awards are recognised as the pinnacle award a sailor can receive in recognition of his/her outstanding achievements by the world of sailing....
in 2005. Although the year 2006 showed inconsistent results due to Fernando racing some legs in the Volvo Ocean Race
Volvo Ocean Race
The Volvo Ocean Race is a yacht race around the world, held every three years. It is named after its current owner, Volvo...
, the Tornado season was quite satisfactory with wins in the South America championship and 7th in the World's. Both races held in consecutive weeks in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is the capital and largest city of Argentina, and the second-largest metropolitan area in South America, after São Paulo. It is located on the western shore of the estuary of the Río de la Plata, on the southeastern coast of the South American continent...
Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
. The season 2007 peaked in the ISAF-worlds in Cascais
Cascais
Cascais is a coastal town in Cascais Municipality in Portugal, 30 kilometres west of Lisbon, with about 35,000 residents. It is a cosmopolitan suburb of the Portuguese capital and one of the richest municipalities in Portugal. The former fishing village gained fame as a resort for Portugal's royal...
Portugal
Portugal
Portugal , officially the Portuguese Republic is a country situated in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula. Portugal is the westernmost country of Europe, and is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the West and South and by Spain to the North and East. The Atlantic archipelagos of the...
were Fernando and Antón become winners of this event for a second time. Importantly, they saved their passport to Beijing 2008. The conditions in China are expected to be of marginal quality with strong currents and light shifty winds that will produce unexpected results. The won the gold medal in the Tornado Class. Out of the 11 races held Fernando and Anton won four races with a total score of 44 points. Getting the silver medal was Darren Bundock and Glenn Ashby of Australia with 49 points, and getting the bronze was Santiago Lange and Carlos Espinola of Argentina with 56 points.
Offshore racing
Fernando was given the opportunity of racing keeled boats at the Club Nautico Portosin where his reputation as a dinghy sailor in the early 90s was outstanding. It didn't take him long to shine among fellow competitors from the competitive Galicia's fleet winning numerous events. However, it was the pursuit of a career in the olympics what minimized his apparitions in IMS sailing. It was after he signed for the Movistar sailing team that he got again in the IMS mediterranean circuit winning numerous events including Copa del ReyCopa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
, European and world's titles. In 2006, the Movistar Volvo Ocean Race
Volvo Ocean Race
The Volvo Ocean Race is a yacht race around the world, held every three years. It is named after its current owner, Volvo...
team included him in the crew to race the Rio de Janeiro-Baltimore, Baltimore-New York, New York-Plymouth legs. Sadly, drama hit the New York-Plymouth stage due to structural damage in the keel system of the Movistar VOR70 that forced the crew to abandon ship when battling a North Atlantic storm. It was the courageous crew of ABN AMRO 2 who saved them from an uncertain fate in what may have been one of the most emotional moments in offshore sailing ever.
In 2008, Fernando was name skipper of one of the two Spanish entries in the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-2009, Telefonica Black. The ten leg race started in Alicante Spain on October 4 with an inshore race, followed by the first leg from Alicante to Cape Town South Africa. Telefonica suffered structural damage to the rudder and finished the first leg in last place. In Leg 4, Telefonica Black experienced very rough headwinds and waves and a crack developed on the port side of the boat. Fernando wisely withdrew from that leg and took refuge in the Philippines. The boat was later sent to Singapore and has been shipped to Rio de Janeiro for the start of Leg 6. Telefonica Black never made it to China and missed the entire 12,500 mile leg from China to Rio during Feb-Mar 2009. Leg 6 starts on April 11 in Rio with an in port race on April 4. Leg 6 finishes in Boston. Fernando has committed to racing MIT Tech Dinghies against his brother and many other American Champions of the sailing world (Exner, Polzin, Carlos). Mr. Echavarri was also challenged to navigate a Volvo boat in the Virtual Race during Leg 5, but declined to participate due to mental duress.
Volvo Round the World Ocean Race
- 2006 (crew) Movistar: Sank
- 2008-09 (skipper) Telefonica Black: Overall Standing 6th of 8 boats.
Olympics, world's, continental and national championships
Summer Olympics- 2008: 1st (Beijing)
- 2004: 8th (Athens)
- 2000: spanish Team B
Tornado World's finishings
- 2007: 1st (Cascais)
- 2006: 6th (San Isidro)
- 2005: 1st (La Rochelle)
- 2004: 4th (Palma de Mallorca)
- 2003: 13th (Cadiz)
- 2002: 12th (Martha's Vineyard)
Tornado Europeans finishings
- 2007: 12th (Palma de Mallorca)
- 2006: 11th (Lubeck)
- 2005: 1st (Vastervik)
- 2004: 6th (Gran Canaria)
- 2003: 6th (Cagliari)
- 2002: 9th (Vilamoura)
Tornado North American finishings
- 2007: 3rd (Miami)
- 2006: 3rd (Miami)
Tornado South American finishings
- 2006: 1st (San Isidro)
Tornado Spanish finishings
- 2000-2007: 1st
Laser Spanish finishings
- 1995-1996: 2nd
:
Curriculum Vitae
2009Volvo Round the World Ocean Race, Telefonica Black, 6th of 8 boats, with 58 points.
2008
Olympic diploma China 2008, 1st in Beijing 2008 Summer Olympic Games,
3rd Tornado Asian Pacific Regatta (Melbourne, Australia)
2007
Tornado world Champion (Cascais, Lisbon), 2nd in the Tornado world ranking, 3rd in the Rolex Miami, 3rd in the North American championship (Miami), 1st Spanish Nationals, 1st Spanish cup.
2006
1st in the Tornado world ranking, 5th in the Rolex Miami, Miami Rolex, 3rd in the North American championship, 5th France Olympic Week (Hyeres), Volvo Ocean Race
Volvo Ocean Race
The Volvo Ocean Race is a yacht race around the world, held every three years. It is named after its current owner, Volvo...
in the Movistar, 4th in the Beneteau 25 World Championship Vigo
Vigo
Vigo is a city and municipality in north-west Spain, in Galicia, situated on the ria of the same name on the Atlantic Ocean.-Population:...
, Royal Order Sportsmanship Merit, Olympic Medal of the Spanish Olympic Committee, Unión Fenosa Medal "best sailors of the Year", record holder of the International Sailing Federation
International Sailing Federation
The International Sailing Federation is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing body for the sport of sailing....
(ISAF) Ranking (18 consecutive months), 1st Copa del Rey
Copa del Rey
The Copa del Rey is an annual football cup competition for Spanish football teams. Its full name is Campeonato de España – Copa de Su Majestad el Rey de Fútbol ....
with Movistar.
2005
Tornado World Champion La Rochelle
La Rochelle
La Rochelle is a city in western France and a seaport on the Bay of Biscay, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. It is the capital of the Charente-Maritime department.The city is connected to the Île de Ré by a bridge completed on 19 May 1988...
, Tornado European Champion Västervik
Västervik
Västervik is a city and the seat of Västervik Municipality, Kalmar County, Sweden with 20,694 inhabitants in 2005.- History :Västervik was first mentioned in 1275. The town was then located at the current location of Gamleby. In 1433 Eric of Pomerania decided to give it a charter and move it to its...
, Spanish Champion Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the major city and port on the island of Majorca and capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. The names Ciutat de Mallorca and Ciutat were used before the War of the Spanish Succession and are still used by people in Majorca. However, the official name...
, Rolex-ISAF Sailor of the Year, 1st Spanish Tornado Cup (Palma de Mallorca), 1st Tornado World Ranking International Sailing Federation
International Sailing Federation
The International Sailing Federation is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing body for the sport of sailing....
, 1st Holland Regatta, 1st Barcelona Olympic Week, 1st Christmas Race, 4th Hobbie Tiger World's, 3rd IMS World's Movistar, 1st Spanish IMS 500 Movistar.
2004
Olympic diploma Athens 2004, 7th in Athens 2004 summer Olympic Games, 1st Tornado World Ranking (February) International Sailing Federation
International Sailing Federation
The International Sailing Federation is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing body for the sport of sailing....
, 4th Tornado World Championship Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca
Palma is the major city and port on the island of Majorca and capital city of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands in Spain. The names Ciutat de Mallorca and Ciutat were used before the War of the Spanish Succession and are still used by people in Majorca. However, the official name...
, 5th Tornado European Championship Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is the second most populous island of the Canary Islands, with a population of 838,397 which constitutes approximately 40% of the population of the archipelago...
, 2nd Trofeo S.A.R Princesa Sofia, 1st Spanish Cup, 3rd France Olympic Week (Hyeres), 5th Holland Regatta, 2nd Christmas Race.
2003
6th Tornado European Championship Cagliari
Cagliari
Cagliari is the capital of the island of Sardinia, a region of Italy. Cagliari's Sardinian name Casteddu literally means castle. It has about 156,000 inhabitants, or about 480,000 including the outlying townships : Elmas, Assemini, Capoterra, Selargius, Sestu, Monserrato, Quartucciu, Quartu...
, 1st Tornado Spanish Championship, 1st Tornado Spanish Cup, 1st Barcelona Olympic Week, 3rd Carnival Race (Cadiz
Cádiz
Cadiz is a city and port in southwestern Spain. It is the capital of the homonymous province, one of eight which make up the autonomous community of Andalusia....
), 4th Trofeo S.A.R Princesa Sofia, 3rd France Olympic Week (Hyeres), 4th Holland Regatta, 5th Kieler Woche.
External links
- Fernando Echavarri web site
- Fernando Echavarri and Antón Paz video
- Volvo Telefonica Black Videos on YouTube
- Tornado Movistar video
- ISAF Rolex World Sailor 2005 interview
- International Sailing FederationInternational Sailing FederationThe International Sailing Federation is recognised by the International Olympic Committee as the world governing body for the sport of sailing....
biography - ISAF World Rankings ISAF- currently second (Fall 2007)
- Harken Interview with Fernando Echavarri
- World Sailor Press Conference
- Movistar Volvo Round the World Race - Echavarri Added
- Debut on Team Movistar
- Olympic Tornado Catamaran