(Le Crouesty, France)- Over the past month, the J/22 class in France has
been getting some of their teams training and preparing for the
upcoming J/22 Worlds in France. The preeminent spring regatta is the
Banque Populaire Series held over two weekends. So far, it's quite
clear that the top two contenders from France appear to be Patrick Jouet
and Claire Pouteau as J/22 class leaders.In the first BPA No.1 trophy event, the J/22 fleet was challenged by an enormous Low that came flying across the North Atlantic, presenting them with northwest winds blowing up to 30 knots. In the end, the RC/PRO's wisely delayed and got the racing going after winds moderated. Winners of the first event were ECC VIVIENDAS followed by SOFFE sailed by Claire Pouteau.
In the second BPA No.2 trophy event, the J/22 fleet faced a similar weather dilemma, starting out the weekend getting pounded by heavy winds, rain and a deluge of hail (almost ice-balls) for nearly a half-hour! Who said that European weather in the spring was a delight!?? Nevertheless, the RC/PRO managed to get off some good racing and in the end SOFFE, sailed by Claire Pouteau won the event! For more J/22 France sailing information
