LooserLu said:Hi,
I agree full to Geoff.
Paul Elvstroem is the best dinghy-professional I know.
Among this Idol, for me Sir Peter Blake (1948 - 2001) from NZL was the best professional-sailor on big boats (http://www.americaone.org/news/ac-news/blake.html).
Pesonally I´m inspirated by Dr. Wolfgang Hunger (current 505 WC; I ´ve already sailed in the beginnig of the 70´ies in the Opti against him) and Alexander Hagen (goes to Athens in the Star for Germany), who was also a former Laser-pro (and Laser-pro coach) in the early 80´ies. Both are sailing idols from Germany.
Best current female sailing hero, in my opinion: Ellen MacArthur
bye-bye
LooserLu