For 17 years, the French Sailing Federation has honored sailors - men and women - who have marked the year with their exploits. In 2017, French sailing was in the spotlight with historic records set and titles won. A rich year for ocean racing: Vendée Globe, Transat Jacques Vabre, for Records: solo (Round the World Multihull Race) and crewed (Jules Verne Trophy) but also beautiful podiums in the World Cup. So who will succeed Charline Picon, president of the jury and Olympic champion of windsurfing RS:X in Rio and Sailor of the Year 2016!
Voting is open since Monday, November 27, and will continue until December 1. The public is also invited to vote for their favorite Sailor of the Year. Their vote will count for two votes in the jury's deliberation. In the event of a tie, their choice will decide between the sailors. The award ceremony will take place during the Paris Boat Show (December 2 to 10) on Sunday, December 3.
2017 Sailor of the Year Nominees
Antoine Albeau
For his title of Funboard World Champion in slalom. He thus wins his 24th world title and remains the most successful Frenchman in history.
Delphine Cousin
For her title of Vice-Champion of the World of Funboard, in the category "Slalom". It is already her fifth world medal on the PWA Slalom circuit.
Thomas Coville
For these three records achieved in 2017, solo or in duo on the Transat Jacques Vabre. He first pulverized the North Atlantic record , in July 2016, in 4 days 11 hours 10 minutes and 23 seconds. Then on Single-handed round-the-world multihull record in 49 days, 3 hours and 7 minutes and 38 seconds on December 25, 2016.
Finally, Thomas Coville has distinguished himself on the Transat Jacques Vabre alongside Jean-Luc Nélias, who won against the brand new Maxi Edmond de Rotschild in 7 days 22 hrs 7 min and 27 seconds.
Alexia Fancelli
For his bronze medal at the Formula Kite World Championship, which was held in Oman from November 19 to 24, giving him access to the world podium.
Francis Joyon
For his record on the Jules Verne Trophy last January 26, in 40 days 23 hours 30 minutes and 30 seconds, beating many stage records and speed during this race.
Armel Le Cléac'h
For his superb victory in the 8th edition of the Vendée Globe . During this race, the Breton skipper also improved the record of the event by returning to Les Sables-d'Olonne in 74 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds.
Jonathan Lobert
For his European title in Finn, obtained in March 2017 on the Marseilles water, but also for the title of Vice World Champion in the category that he won last September on Lake Balaton, in Hungary.
Nicolas Parlier
For his Formula Kite World Champion title, which he obtained last November 24 in Oman. After 10 victories out of 11 international competitions this year, the kiteboarder has thus achieved the perfect season.
Nominees for Best Newcomer of the Year 2017
To salute the young generation of 2024, the French Sailing Federation will also award the trophy for the Best Hopeful of the Year. They are 14 "nominees" to claim the title:
- Violette Dorange and Camille Orion Nominated for their bronze medal at the 420 World Championship in December 2016 (Youth World)
- Robin Follin and his crew Nominated for their third place at the SB20 World Championship
- Lilou Granier : is nominated for her IFCA Youth World Champion title
- Basile Jacquin : is nominated for his IFCA Youth World Champion title
- Maiwenn Jacquin and Enora Percheron : nominated for their title of Vice-Champion of the World 29er U19 2017
- Benjamin Jaffrezic and Léo Chauvel: nominated for their 2017 U19 World Champion title
- Hippolyte Machetti and Sidoine Dantes nominated for their title of World Youth Champions 470 and their 4 e place in the Senior 470 World Championship
- Héloise Macquaert Bic Techno 293 : is nominated for her bronze medal at the Bic Techno 293 + World Championship
- Axel Mazella: is nominated for his title of Formula Kite U21 World Champion
- Bérénice Mège Nominated for her bronze medal at the U21 RSX World Championship
- Adrien Mestre : is nominated for his titles of U21 RSX World Vice-Champion and U21 RSX European Champion
- Tim Mourniac & Charles Dorange Named for their title of Nacra 15 World Champions 2016 (Youth World) and winners of the Tour de France à la Voile youth ranking
- Gwendal Nael & Lilian Mercier Nominated for their title of Vice-Champions of the 29er World 2016 (Youth World)
- Fabien Pianazza Bic Techno 293 + World Champion : is nominated for his title
