Head to Head – Nagoshi Vs. Reichmann
Two of the tours top ladies are Junko Nagoshi (J-11 F2 / Simmer) and Anne-Marie Reichmann (H-98 Naish / Naish), ranked 4th and 5th overall in waves respectively in 2006 . Junko also finished in an impressive 6th place in Freestyle, and 4th in Super-X after Anne-Marie focused purely on the waves last season. Maui-based Junko has adapted well in recent seasons to some of the European conditions on tour, whilst Anne-Marie, who’s no stranger to Hawaii, prefers to train more in the powerful waves of Western Australia. What do two such close rivals think of each other then?
What are her strengths?
Anne-Marie: ‘She is very focused, and she has a good competition head. She is also very steady in her sailing and doesn’t make many mistakes’
Junko: ‘Experience. She’s been competing for long time in a lot of different places in waves’
What are her weaknesses?
Anne-Marie: ‘Probably down-the-line port tack conditions - but we haven’t had those conditions on tour so far’
Junko: ‘None really! She is really good!’
How many times have you beaten her or lost to her?
Anne-Marie: ‘I beat her in Maui a year ago, but at the last Maui competition she went to the final and I didn’t. I haven’t really been counting all our heats against each other’
Junko: ‘Oh I don’t remember actually!’
What do you think when you see you’ve drawn her on the ladder?
Anne-Marie: ‘OK...get into your flow and Go!’
Junko: ‘I always think…that sucks!’
Why is she hard to beat?
Anne-Marie: ‘She is very consistent, focused and steady’
Junko: ‘She is super-consistent’
Over time have you had a particularly lucky or unlucky tour stop against her?
Anne-Marie: ‘I think we are very close in our moves. We have different styles. Some judges prefer this; some judges prefer that. Who ever you sail against...it sometimes feels unlucky.
Junko: ‘I have never thought about that before!’
What conditions favour her more than you?
Anne-Marie: ‘Starboard conditions are better for her than port tack. Saying that though...she is getting really solid in Gran Canaria also!
Junko: ‘Definitely port-tack wave riding’
Thanks ladies!
© PWA / Brian McDowell
