Tina Lutz and Sanni Beucke sailed together in the 470 Class back in 2011 and narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Olympics. But the dream of the Games remained – and became a joint mission. Nine years later, in 2020, it finally worked out in the 49er FX: Olympic qualification, participation in Tokyo – and ultimately even the silver medal in 2021.
During the shoot before the ISAF World Cup in Hyères, I saw the two of them exactly where they feel most comfortable: in, on and with the water. Tina and Sanni lived up to their motto ‘We love water!’ – with honest energy, laughter between the gusts and a tangible connection to each other that goes far beyond sailing.
The 470 is a classic double-handed dinghy that has been sailed in the Olympics for decades. Unlike fast skiffs, it is all about fine tuning, tactical instinct and physical precision.
What particularly impressed me about this shoot was how tough the two of them are in all conditions – regardless of whether it’s a flat sea or a strong wind. And how much the boat can cope with in terms of wind and waves when it is sailed by two such strong sailors. An impressive blend of technique, endurance and confidence in the equipment – and a great subject for the camera.
Their motto – ‘We love water!’ – has been with me ever since. I think about it every cold, wet day with my camera on the water. And then everything fits again.
