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MEET DANISH OLYMPIC SAILOR

ANNE-MARIE RINDOM

We’re proud to introduce our ambassador, Anne-Marie Rindom, an Olympic sailor and one of Denmark’s most celebrated athletes. With an impressive career spanning multiple World Championship titles and a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, Anne-Marie has become a true icon in the sailing world. Her life on the water reflects her love for freedom and adventure, from intense training sessions to competing on the world’s most challenging courses. We sat down with Anne-Marie to talk about her favorite travel destinations, essential gear, and what it takes to excel at the highest level.

Campaign shot by Laura Bruntse Jørgensen.

Can you share how you first got into sailing and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?

I've been around sailing my whole life—it’s truly in my blood. My family has a strong sailing background, so it felt natural to start early. My first real experience with sailing was at just 14 days old when my parents took me out on their boat for a summer holiday. I got my own boat at age five, and it was such an adventure! Sailing was not only fun but also incredibly social, as I got to spend time with other kids who shared the same love for the water. What I love most about sailing is the mix of skills it demands; every day brings a new challenge. The unpredictable weather and constant need to adapt keep me motivated to improve every day.

What has been the most memorable moment of your sailing career so far?

My most unforgettable moment was winning the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The journey was a true emotional rollercoaster—some days went smoothly, while others were tough. But in the end, I succeeded, and that victory is something I’ll cherish forever. I can still feel the intensity and joy of that moment.

What does sailing mean to you?

Sailing gives me a profound sense of freedom. On the water, I feel completely removed from the world, surrounded by nature’s raw power. It’s a unique experience that requires my total focus—just me, the waves, and the next move. Sailing is such a rewarding sport because no two days are the same. The constant challenge of adapting to the elements fills me with joy. When I’m not out on the water, I miss it.

How do you prepare mentally and physically for major competitions like the Olympics?

Physically, I train rigorously to stay strong and agile for the boat. I’m on the water four hours a day, six days a week, plus gym sessions and interval training. Sailing is an endurance sport, with competitions often spanning six days and including multiple one-hour races. Mentally, I focus on resilience, especially as the stakes get higher. Over the last five years, I’ve concentrated more on mental conditioning. Competing at the highest levels brings enormous pressure—not only from others but from myself. I want those medals, but I also have to prepare for the possibility that things may not go as planned. Mental exercises and visualization are part of my routine. I imagine the upcoming conditions and visualize myself handling the stress of competition, reminding myself to stay in the moment and trust my training.

As a professional sailor, you travel a lot. What are some of your favorite destinations and why?

There are so many amazing places I’ve been fortunate to visit! One of my all-time favorite destinations is Búzios in Brazil, where I competed at the Youth World Championships in 2009. It’s like paradise—stunning mountains, clear blue water, big waves, and warm weather. The relaxed, friendly atmosphere onshore makes it even more special.

What’s your best travel or packing hack? Any specific tips from years of traveling for competitions?

Always pack light! Only bring essentials and avoid anything you’re not certain you’ll use. With all the gear I travel with, keeping the rest of my luggage minimal is a game changer. It makes the journey so much easier.

SHOP ANNE-MARIE'S PICKS

What features do you look for in travel gear, and how do our products meet those needs?

What I appreciate most about Nomad’s products is how light and spacious they are. For example, the Backpack and Duffle Bag are perfect—they’re easy to carry, super spacious and hold all my essentials. The waterproof feature is also a huge advantage since I’m often near or on the water. I love that I can personalize my bags with my initials; it’s practical when traveling with a team and makes my gear feel like mine.

What’s next for you in your sailing career and travels? Any exciting plans or goals?

My upcoming travels include a competition in Dubai, where I’ll be sailing an incredibly fast boat—something I’m thrilled about! My long-term goal is to assemble an all-female team for the America’s Cup, the oldest sailing competition in the world. I hope to inspire more women to pursue sailing professionally. With a lifestyle that keeps me constantly on the go, whether I’m in Australia, Dubai, Argentina, or Brazil, it’s important to have gear that feels like home. I’m only in Denmark a few months each year, so having reliable, familiar products with me, like Nomad’s, makes all the difference.