Bastien Pouthier Elected President of the Caribbean Sailing Association
Trinidad & Tobago’s Bastien Pouthier was elected president of the Caribbean Sailing Association (CSA) during the June CSA Annual General Meeting in Antigua. Pouthier, who served as the CSA’s Chief Measurer for over a decade, succeeds St. Maarten’s Michele Korteweg, who held the position for the past two years. Pouthier brings extensive experience to his role, having been the first measurer to rise to the position of CSA president. He is also a naval architectand owner-operator of Associated Marine Design in Chaguaramas.
Pouthier’s Background and Path to Naval Architecture
Born in Caen, Normandy, and raised in Pau, Bastien Pouthier’s love for sailing began when he attended an Optimist summer camp at age 12. This early introduction sparked a lifelong passion for the sea, leading him to become a National French Sailing Federation Instructor and cruise La Baie de Seine on a Nacra catamaran. Despite an initial interest in car design, Pouthier discovered his true passion for yacht design during his studies at Solent University in England, where he earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Naval Architecture.
Transition to the Caribbean and the CSA
After completing his studies, Pouthier found an opportunity in Chaguaramas, Trinidad, where a boatyard sought to build large carbon sailing catamarans. His two-year project turned into a 24-year journey in the Caribbean. Pouthier’s expertise in yacht design and naval architecture naturally led him to the CSA, where he began working with Jeffrey Chen, the CSA Chief Measurer at the time.
Becoming a CSA Measurer and Chief Measurer
Pouthier became a CSA Measurer in 2010 and quickly ascended to become the official regatta measurer for Les Voiles de St Barth. In 2015, he became the CSA Chief Measurer, a role in which he helped rebuild the online program and update the CSA rating rule. His deep understanding of rating rules and sailboat performance shaped his approach to the CSA.
Why Pouthier Wanted to Lead the CSA
Pouthier’s experience in a wide range of roles within the Caribbean sailing community—from racing to event management—made him a natural fit for the CSA presidency. His involvement in registration, class allocation, and various regatta functions gave him a comprehensive understanding of the sport. “There is not much a regatta offers that I’ve not been involved in,” Pouthier remarked.
Top Goals as CSA President
Pouthier’s key goal is to make the CSA administrative side self-sufficient, so that funds from certificate fees can focus solely on rule development and research. He acknowledges the need for better financial strategies but is confident in the collective expertise within the CSA. Other key objectives include promoting sustainable race management, recruiting local race officials, and creating more affordable racing opportunities in the Caribbean.
The Future of the CSA Rating Rule
Pouthier recognizes the rapid development of foiling technology and its impact on racing. The CSA Rule will need constant updates to accommodate performance differences as foiling boats gain speed. He also foresees the potential need for rating systems in kite-foiling competitions as the sport evolves.
Challenges and Opportunities for Caribbean Regattas
One of the biggest challenges Caribbean regattas face is the aging demographic of sailors, with fewer young sailors entering the sport. Additionally, the rising cost of sailing and racing makes it difficult for many to participate. However, Pouthier sees an opportunity to shorten the season’s calendar and attract more local boats. He also advocates for stronger collaboration among marine associations, marinas, and services to support regattas and make the Caribbean a more attractive destination for sailors.
Strengthening Caribbean Sailing Communities
Pouthier emphasizes the need to link regattas with rallies to build a sense of community among competitors. He points to events like the Rum to Spice Race between Barbados and Grenada as examples of how regattas can foster stronger connections between islands and offer a unique experience for sailors.
For more information, visit caribbean-sailing.com.
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