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The 51st edition of the Rolex Fastnet Race, marking the centenary of the race created in 1925, saw the triumph of an emblematic French duo: Alexis Loison and Jean-Pierre Kelbert. Skipper and builder, the two men won the Overall ranking on a new-generation JPK 10.50, at the end of an edition marked by light weather conditions and a record participation of 444 boats.
French IRC yachts make a strong comeback in ocean racing
The seventy-strong IRC Two class has established the "Léon" yacht as the class benchmark. This victory is not an isolated one: the top three places in the Overall ranking are all occupied by French double-handed crews. It's a performance that underlines the durability of a school of ocean racing where fine-tuning and long-term strategy take precedence over raw power.
A builder-sailor partnership at the heart of performance
The particularity of this success lies in the presence on board of the founder of the JPK shipyard. Jean-Pierre Kelbert is not just a renowned builder: sailing with Alexis Loison, he puts into practice the technical and architectural choices of his latest model. The tandem combines offshore experience and design expertise, a rare duo at this level of competition.
JPK 10.50: powerful hull and precise trimming for optimum performance
Léon" is a new-generation JPK 10.50. Developed for reaching, it features a high-powered hull, allowing tight angles even in winds of over 25 knots. Large sails can be carried for long periods without loss of control. In stronger conditions, its potential is only too eager to be realized.
The Figaro circuit's influence on French domination
Erwan Tabarly, Achille Nebout and Alexis Loison, the first 2 on the podium, all share a common background: the Figaro circuit. The demanding single-handed competition is a renowned school of mental and tactical preparation. The transposition to double-handed racing proves formidably effective. Rigor, repetition of maneuvers and a keen eye for the weather are all part of the equation.
Cherbourg: a growing port of arrival
For the third consecutive time, the Fastnet Race finished in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. This is the first time that a French crew has won in this configuration. The local impact of this finish, in terms of port traffic, onshore events and media coverage, reinforces Cherbourg's position as a key stopover for major Channel offshore races.
