6 sailors in the running for the title of Sailor of the Year 2022
6 sailors were nominated for the title of Sailor of the Year, a title awarded by the French Sailing Federation each year in recognition of their performances during the season. Offshore racing, windsurfing, match-racing, Olympic sailing... All sailing disciplines are represented in the competition.
Consecration of the Lasérist Jean-François Bernaz
After a ceremony on December 2, 2022 at the Olympia, it is the 35-year-old Lasériste, Jean-François Bernaz who won ahead of Charles Caudrelier, Thomas Ruyant, Marion Mortefon, Adrien Bosson and Pauline Courtois. He is the first Frenchman to have won the ILCA 7 world championship title (solo dinghy, the new name for the Laser) and now hopes to win the Olympic gold medal in the Laser at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Jean-Baptiste Bernaz comments: "This is a really important award for me. It reminds me of this beautiful year I just lived. It is a first step, because the goal is still the Games. I dream of an Olympic medal. This step is ticked offâ?¦ I enjoy it all the more because it is 15 years of work with a whole team. When I see the great champions who are in the room, I am really very touched."
A breathless debate within the jury
It is at the end of the deliberation of the jury, chaired by Antoine Albeau and the choice of the public, whose votes counted double, that Jean-Baptiste Bernaz was consecrated, as explained by the windsurfer multititled: "The debate was really exciting this lunchtime. All the nominees deserved the title. There were really monsters in the list and it was very close! I am happy that Jean-Baptiste was elected, I always fight to value the less media-oriented disciplines, even if I admire the ocean racers. Jean-Baptiste has had a magnificent year and has already had an exceptional career. He really deserves this title! I am thrilled for him!"
