In the world of competitive sailing, precision and timing are paramount, and few embody these qualities better than the identical McCann twins, Marshall and Ford. In 2022, they embarked on a mission to qualify for the USA Olympic sailing team for the Paris 2024 Games.
To celebrate their journey, we have produced a five-minute documentary short film that follows the McCann twins as they trained and competed, offering an intimate look into their relentless pursuit of Olympic glory. This film captures the essence of their dedication, the challenges they faced, and the extraordinary bond that propelled them forward.
A Shared Dream
For the first 18 years of their lives, Marshall and Ford shared nearly everything: friends, hobbies, a bedroom—even their Olympic aspirations. Despite choosing different universities and living apart for four years, their bond remained unbroken. In the summer of 2022, they reunited, setting their sights on the Paris Olympics. Their performances at the 2024 ILCA 7 World Championship in Adelaide, Australia, where they emerged as the top two Americans in their class, were a testament to their unwavering dedication and hard work.
As the McCann twins prepared for the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, their rigorous training regimen required precise timing, a critical factor in their performance. This is where Vaer watches played a crucial role. The twins integrated our watches into their training routines, relying on these timepieces to time their racing laps. These Vaer watches, designed to maintain extreme accuracy and withstand the harshest marine conditions became indispensable tools in their quest for Olympic glory.
Marshall and Ford's journey exemplifies the spirit of American exceptionalism at the heart of our brand. Their story is one of sibling rivalry turned into a powerful source of motivation. Training side by side, they pushed each other to new heights, embodying the very essence of competitive spirit. Their identical nature brought a fascinating dynamic to the competition, where their strengths and weaknesses mirrored each other, creating an environment where only the best could emerge victorious.
The Perfect Tool for Precision Timing
Vaer’s
R1 meca-quartz chronographs combine the best of both mechanical and quartz watch movements, offering the precision of quartz with the tactile feedback of a mechanical chronograph. This hybrid technology ensures that sailors have a reliable and accurate timekeeping tool on their wrists, capable of withstanding the demanding conditions of marine environments.
Waterproof Durability
With a 10ATM (100 meters) water resistance rating, our chronograph watches are designed to endure the splashes, sprays, and submersion that come with racing sailboats. Sailors can confidently wear their watch without worrying about water damage, allowing them to focus entirely on their performance and the race at hand.
Timing Laps and Measuring Performance
The pushers on the
meca-quartz chronograph are designed for ease of use, even in challenging conditions. Here’s how they can be operated to time laps and measure performance effectively:
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Start Timing: At the beginning of a race or a lap, pressing the top pusher (located at the 2 o’clock position) starts the chronograph function. This allows the sailor to begin measuring their lap time precisely from the moment the race starts.
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Stop Timing: Pressing the same top pusher again stops the chronograph. This is useful for marking the end of a lap or measuring the time taken to complete a specific section of the racecourse.
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Resetting: The bottom pusher (located at the 4 o’clock position) resets the chronograph hands to zero. This function is essential for quickly clearing the recorded time and preparing for the next lap or timing interval.
In a solo-operated sailboat, such as those used by the McCann twins at the ILCA 7 World Championship, the ability to time laps accurately and easily is crucial. The pushers' tactile feedback ensures that sailors can operate the chronograph with confidence, even in the midst of intense competition and challenging conditions.
A Commitment to Excellence
At Vaer, we take immense pride in supporting Marshall and Ford's pursuit of Olympic glory. Their efforts to reach the Olympic qualifying stage reflect the broader American spirit—an unyielding commitment to achieving a shared lifelong dream.
The McCann twins' reliance on Vaer watches underscored the critical role that precise timing played in their success. Vaer’s robust design and water resistance ensured they could focus on their performance without worrying about their equipment. Our support for these remarkable athletes was not just about providing them with the tools they needed but also about celebrating their spirit and the broader ideals they represent. Together, we continue to cheer them on as they embody the excellence and determination that define both their journey and our brand.
