Interview / Jeanne Larnicol, 3rd at the European Optimist Championship

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The French Jeanne Larnicol has just finished in 3rd position at the European Optimist Championships which took place in Brittany in Crozon from 24 to 28 June 2019. She tells Bateaux.com about her career and her impressions of the competition.

Jeanne, how was your championship?

There was a first part with qualifying phases by pool. The 3rd e day there was the Gold Round and the Silver Round. Thanks to my first results, I reached the Gold Round which ended with this podium.

This is my first European Championship and I was the first surprise by my results. That was not my objective at all. I just wanted to finish in the top 20. It's a nice surprise!

Jeanne Larnicol

What were the weather conditions of the regatta?

The weather was not to my advantage. The first day we didn't run and then there were two really soft days. And I prefer it when it's windy, it fits my size better. But you have to be good everywhere, you can't bet on conditions.

Jeanne Larnicol

How did you get into this?

I started sailing as an Optimist at the age of 7 in my club at CVL L'Aber Wrac'h. I started with Optimist in leisure and then in D3 and I really hooked up in competition from the fourth grade. Today I am 15 years old and I am in 3 e .

I'm going to pass the patent. Normally, it should have been yesterday and today, but with the heat wave, it was postponed. So I'm going on Monday... I didn't review, but given my grades in continuous monitoring, I already have it.

Jeanne Larnicol

How long have you been racing in International?

I've never done any big international competitions except once in Morocco in Agadir when I was in 5th grade.

What memories will you have of Crozon's date?

Since the event took place in France, we had double the quota compared to the other countries. So we were a team of 14 boats. It was a big team, but everyone got along well with a great atmosphere.

And now, what's next for you?

Next year, I will join the Pole Espoir in Brest in 420 in double with Clara Leticier. I hope it goes well, the boat makes me want to do it super well. I want to change the media, to leave my Optimist.

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