Gerard Lautenschutz

Gerard Lautenschutz qualified for the 1960 Olympic as a crew member of the Flying Dutchman skippered by Ben Verhagen. Having achieved some good results in international races earlier in the year, they fancied themselves medal candidates. After five races their boat “Daisy” ranked third, when Lautenschutz was informed that his mother was very ill. Although initially doubting if he would travel back, Verhagen insisted Lautenschutz that return home, where he was able to see his mother before she passed on. Verhagen finished the final two races with Jaap Helder, but was unable to hold on to their podium spot.

The inverse situation happened a year later, when Verhagen was set to sail at the 1961 European Championships at the Attersee. His crew member, Henk Könst, had to return home due to illness in the family. Lautenschutz replaced Könst, with a more happy ending, as they placed third in Austria. In subsequent years, Lautenschutz tried his hand at the Finn, but without international success.

Lautenschutz served with the Netherlands Marine Corps during the Indonesian struggle for independence from the Netherlands after World War II. After his sailing career, he managed a yacht shipyard in Hellevoetsluis for many years.