New surfing and sailing Olympic hopefuls
The French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) has approved the selection of 26 new athletes to join the French delegation in boxing, fencing, surfing and sailing. In surfing, Johanne Defay, Vahiné Fierro, Joan Duru and Kauli Vaast have been selected in the men's and women's categories. In sailing, Lauriane Nolot and Axel Mazella will compete in Formula Kite. Sarah Steyaert and Charline Picon in 49er FX and Erwan Fischer and Clément Pequin in 49er.
A new partner for Fabrice Amedeo
Back in the water this Friday, March 29, 2024, Fabrice Amedeo's IMOCA now boasts a new partner. Wewise, the Butagaz Group subsidiary dedicated to renewable energies, photovoltaics and energy systems, joins the project alongside Nexans.
World Cup Serie 2024 - Trofeo Princesa Sofia Mallorca
In the bay of Palma, Mallorca, more than 1100 sailors of 75 different nationalities will compete in ten Olympic classes from 1 er to April 6. On the French side, the official delegation for this first stage of the World Cup will include 56 sailors and a number of good medal chances!
This year, the French leaders in Kitefoil will be taking a break, after an exceptional European Championship last week. The younger generation, led by Lysa Caval, Héloïse Pégourié and Arthur Lhez, will take over in Palma this week. In the 49er class, World Champions Erwan Fischer and Clément Péquin will arrive in Palma under close scrutiny, especially as the duo are coming off a victory in their last appearance in 2022. In the iQFOiL class, Olympic hopefuls Hélène Noesmoen and Nicolas Goyard will use this week of competition to prepare for the summer.
Departure of the Niji40
The new transatlantic race, the Niji40, organized by Ultim Sailing, links Belle-Île-en-Mer to Marie Galante in Guadeloupe, and is aimed at Class40 boats. On Saturday March 30, the 13 boats and 39 sailors are due to arrive at the port of Kernevel, in Larmor Plage, the race's base camp for five days. They will then head for Le Palais in Belle-Île on April 4. Some of the top names expected to take part include Xavier Macaire, Erwan le Draoulec, Corentin Horeau, Gildas Mahé...
Actual Group expands its partnerships
Already involved in the Ultim circuit alongside Anthony Marchand, Yves le Blevec's successor, Groupe Actual is launching a two-season commitment to the Figaro Beneteau circuit alongside Jacques Delcroix. An engineer in Team Actual's design office, Jacques had already been accompanied in 2022 and 2023 by Groupe Actual in the Mini 6.50 class. He will be taking part in the Spi Ouest-France in La Trinité-sur-Mer next weekend, followed by the Solo Maître CoQ (April 28 to May 5), the Banque Populaire Grand Ouest Trophy (May 15 to 25), the Le Havre Allmer Cup (May 31 to June 8), followed by the famous Solitaire du Figaro (August 19 to September 15).
Laura Vergne Trophy, results
Nearly 70 Figaro Bénéteau sailors took part in the Trophée Laura Vergne in La Trinité-sur-Mer from March 23 to 27. The first coastal course was followed by a 250-mile loop between the islands of Groix, Belle-Île and Yeu. The overall winner of the Laura Vergne Trophy was Queguiner - La Vie en Rose skippered by Elodie Bonafous and Corentin Horeau. In the crew category, Orlabay took first place, succeeding the first edition's winning crew, Mars'elles.
Opening of SNIM
Some 1,000 sailors - solos, duos and crews - will be taking part in the SNIM, which runs from 3pm on March 29 to April 1. This Friday sees the first start of the Mediterranean International Nautical Week. In order to optimize programs according to weather conditions and the performance of each type of boat, competitors are divided into two independent fleets: in the northern harbor, Philippe Faure will oversee the IRC 0, 1, 2 and 3, as well as the solos and duos, while in the southern harbor, Corinne Aubert will take charge of the IRC 4 and the one-designs, J70s and Grand Surprises. This configuration offers Marseille's residents, as well as the many visitors during the Easter period, a variety of vantage points from which to follow the high-level clashes on the 2024 Olympic waters.
The Mini class celebrates its 30th anniversary
On April 6, the Mini 6.50 class celebrates its 30th anniversary! Created in 1994, the Mini 6.50 class has welcomed no fewer than 4,562 sailors since its inception. It promotes the values of mutual aid and sharing, and is open to all. It has, moreover, revealed a great many sailors, including Yannick Bestaven, Charlie Dalin, Thomas Ruyant, Justine Mettraux, Ian Lipinski, Thomas Coville, Sam Davies...
BYD partner of The Transat CIC
BYD, the world's leading manufacturer of new-energy vehicles, is the official partner of The Transat CIC, which sets off from Lorient on April 28. This is the first nautical foray for BYD, already an official partner and e-Mobility Partner of UEFA EURO 2024.
A new partner for Conrad Colman in the Vendée Globe 2024
Conrad Colman has found a new official partner for his sustainable Vendée Globe project. The company is Siniat, French leader in plasterboard solutions for responsible, sustainable construction. Siniat will accompany the yachtsman over the next two years as he completes a second round-the-world voyage without fossil fuels.
The French, European Kitefoil champions
At the end of a week of regattas, the French made kitefoil history with a 100% French women's podium at the European Open Championship. In Mar Menor, Spain, Lauriane Nolot claimed a new international title ahead of Jessie Kapman (2 e ) and Poema Newland (3 e ). With 12 victories from 19 races sailed, reigning world champion, sailor of the Year 2023 and member of the Army of Champions, Lauriane Nolot, moved up a rank on Sunday March 24 to become double European champion (2022 âeuros 2024). On the men's side, Axel Mazella registers 1 er European behind Singapore's Max Maeder.
A fine performance by the French on Sail GP
On the weekend of March 23 and 24, 2024, the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix took place in Christchurch, on the east coast of New Zealand's South Island. Quentin Delapierre's Tricolores took a fine second place, and their first final of this SailGP season 4. As a result, they moved up to 4th place in the overall standings. The New Zealanders, led by Peter Burling who won on home turf, dethroned the Australians who had led the standings since the start of the season. Tom Slingsby and his Australian team not only had to forfeit the race after a collision with a course marker damaged their F50, but also received an 8-point penalty.
FFVoile 2023 Top Club unveiled
On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Fédération Française de Voile (French Sailing Federation) awarded prizes to the most dynamic and committed structures in 2023. The Pôle Nautique Sud Goëlo (22) was crowned "Sailing School of the Year". The "Club Compétition" of 2023 is Brest Bretagne Nautisme (29), while the "Club Féminin" prize was awarded to Société Nautique de Locmariaquer (56) and the "Prix du Développement" to Cannes Jeunesse (06). Among the new features, the FFVoile decided to highlight clubs that welcome people with disabilities. The "Club Handivalide" prize was awarded to the Cercle de la Voile de Cazaux-Lac (33).
