Made to measure

We run a tape over the entertaining Kristian Tzanov.

How did you become involved in competitive sailing?

Competition in is my soul; I raced motocross and cars in Italy for twelve years before figuring out that water is softer than land during accidents.

I became involved in powerboats and luckily discovered a real passion for something I was quite good at - I won the P2 World Championships in Orange Beach and came 3rd in the 2002 Class II World Championships.

Powerboating at that level is a tough sport though!

Sure, it is not for the faint-hearted and the heat in the cockpit is unbearable. We tried using fighter pilot masks one year for breathing and communication, but you sweat so much it fills the pipe and you could drown on your own sweat!

The crashes can also be dramatic; here in Dubai in 2006 I had my worst smash. An engine bracket let go on my boat 'Carrera' and we flipped and cartwheeled.

When the boat settled we were held underwater for eleven minutes until the rescue boats got to us and by then our supplementary oxygen had run out. I was smashing my hands on the escape hatch trying to get out and my family were incredibly shaken by the incident - I think they are happier I now race sailboats instead!

Are you a passive boat owner Kristian, or a passionate sailor?

Passive? Sailing is like a drug for me, I'm obsessed and just can't stay away from it. I'd die inside if I couldn't sail: where depressive people see darkness then sailing shines a light within me. I personally find sailing is great for the body, mind and soul.

It's an outlet for my creative ideas and rather than detract from my work, it motivates me to work harder at my business - so I can go and buy more boats!

How does that impact on family life?

Sailing is my only vice, so they are very understanding - though my wife will roll her eyes every time I mention buying a new boat! We recently enjoyed a family sailing holiday in Sicily so they enjoy the benefits too. It was incredible, cruising these tiny Aeolian Islands, going ashore in a tender as there were no ports, having lunch and then swimming off deserted bays.

How did you get into the Dubai sailing community?

It was easy really as all those who compete on the water share a common interest. About five years ago I came into contact with Christophe Vanek at Duboats, his passion re-ignited mine and I began to buy boats like crazy - to the point where I had to stop myself.

I bought some great Beneteaus during that time though and won the 2006 Maktoum Sailing Trophy on one of them. The standard of competitive sailing here in Dubai is extremely high; on my MST crew I had four sailors with America's Cup experience.

So your current boat is a bit special...

My sponsors are very special and operate at the top level, so I wanted to buy them a boat that did them justice. Sovereign is such a special boat and I fell in love with her from the start. I received a call from Italy today to sell her - but I just can't.

There are only two boats like her in the world, and she couldn't have a more appropriate name than Sovereign as she was previously raced by King Juan Carlos of Spain.

She was designed by Vrolijk and King Juan Carlos helmed her to victory at World, and European, level in IMS championships. The boat has real pedigree and I'm so happy she is mine: I had to work so hard to get her.

Tell us more...

Well it started by sailing her in the middle of the Spanish winter, with the air temperature below freezing, in order to make shipping deadlines and compete in the Jumeirah Regatta.

When I arrived at the docks to drop the mast and rigging it was 19th December; a week before Christmas and the place was deserted. We worked alone in the freezing cold to get her stowed.

It didn't end there however. When the boat arrived in Dubai I worked 15 hours a day, for 20 days straight - just to get her ready. At the time my friends were encouraging me to stop; I had a kidney stone and was passing blood as I worked.

We got everything done in time though and as we sailed out for the first race we'd just rigged the new sails: to be honest we didn't even know if they even fitted properly! All the work was worth it though to lead in the first race (before we missed the 'short course' signal) - it proved the boat's potential.

Are you going to modify Sovereign for IRC racing here?

This is why I am so excited about next season. Already we know the boat is fast, and I'm carrying a tonne of lead in the bilges! As Vrolijk designed the boat, they are the ones I'm entrusting with the design and build of the new keel to.

It's a T-keel with a long blade and bullet bulb. I'm confident that we'll do well next season as not only will this fast boat become faster, but I'll also drop 20 IRC handicap points.

So the boat is going to sweep all before it next year?

Absolutely not: it's the crew that wins races. I'm working at the moment on building a crew of sailors who will commit to Pal Zileri-Societe Generale sailing team - but it is not easy here in Dubai. It's no good to have a casual attitude as this is a very technical boat.

I'm looking for consistency and a team who become stronger as we work together. A team is like spaghetti - easy to break as individual pieces, but impossible when the whole package is together.

If we find a good crew then I would like to race internationally - the China Cup, the Kings Cup in Thailand and possibly even RC44.

For me also, the team is not just the crew; my incredible sponsors are prime players in the team. Societe Generale, Carrera and Pal Zileri are all top flight companies that have done so much to help put my dream together.

We work hard together to achieve our various goals and I have no words to be able to thank them for the support they have given me and sailing in the region.

Already we are discussing organising an exciting series of races that they will sponsor next season - 'watch this space' as they say!