Friday, September 9, 2016

J/80 AKAJOULE Takes 40th Obelix Trophy!

J/80s sailing Obelix Trophy- France (Benodet, France)- The sixth event in the Coupe de France 2016 series, the 40th edition of L’Obelix Trophy, was sailed from August 26 to 28 in Benodet, France.  The fleet of nine boats was overwhelmed with the simply smashing summer conditions off the beautiful beach resort on the Bay of Biscay.

After the first two days of racing, it was not clear what (or who) could deprive AKAJOULE (Frank Vallet and Rémi Rabbe) from a landslide victory.  The pair from CN Pornic simply "slammed" every race, often without really being bothered by their pursuers- Xavier and Jacques Hubert Tinel on JEROBOAM MARINE LORIENT from CN Marine Lorient.

J/80 Obelix Trophy winners- FranceEveryone was hoping a new challenger would arise on the final day.  However, with 18-25 kt winds, the duo on AKAJOULE simply dominated the proceedings, ultimately winning the regatta with just 8 pts net in nine races- winning every race by dramatic margins.  Their friends on JEROBOAM slipped down the rankings into third place.  Meanwhile, J Hubert on EOS from CN Wimereux leapt into the second position, loving the windy and wavy conditions on the final day. On a tie-breaker at 37 pts each, P Gury’s TROWENT SAILING TEAM took 4th while L Gilet’s NUMERO-J placed 5th.

Bénodet remains a beautiful place, especially on a spectacular sunny weekend in late August!  The nine J/80 crews who made the trip were thus offered one last summer outing in the best possible conditions.  The crews were treated to ice-cold beers and a rustic buffet every night in front of the green banks of the Odet ... what a way to finish the August vacation!   Sailing photo credits- Jakez   For more J/80 Obelix Trophy sailing information