(Lorient, France)- With forty-three boats sailing with many of the top
French teams participating, it was clear that the RC led by Jean Coadou
would have their hands full having to manage a very aggressive fleet
that included many of the top French Teams in J/80 sailing. In the end,
Nicolas Troussel skippering PL YACHTING sailed one of his best J/80
series to date to win with a 2-4-10-2-4 record for 12 pts net, well
clear of the rabid dogs fighting it out behind them by eight points.The first day of racing was run in a wind of 10-15 knots. However, numerous general recalls did not allow Coadou's RC to run more than two races! It was a remarkably aggressive fleet, with more than a dozen BFDs in the fleet! Nevertheless, Troussel's team took command of the regatta with a consistent 2-4 finish.
The
second day of sailing was slightly delayed by the lack of wind.
Despite those odds, the RC managed to get in three races in the 5-10 kts
sea-breeze conditions. It was a great battle for all the races sailed
under the bright sun! Perfect sailing for everyone! The leaders
excelled in these conditions throughout the day, very tactical
conditions where the left side of the was most often favorable. Troussel
and crew maintained their lead ahead of Jerome Croyere's RUBAN VERT and
Eric Brezellec's INTERFACE CONCEPT! Amazing performance! The dinner
and "winner's roast" in the evening was remembered for the "salsa bar",
delicious mixed drinks and wonderful music!The third day dawned with a bright sun with no wind. Sadly, there was nothing that Coadou's RC crew could muster to get the "OverLord Neptune" to produce wind, no amount of delicious bordeaux or Chateaux Montrachet burgundy French wine, voluptuous nymphs, nor old red socks! Racing was canceled for the day due to the "glass-out" conditions. As a result, the final standing stood at Troussel winning, followed by Croyere's RUBAN VERT and Eric Brezellec's famous INTERFACE CONCEPT in third. Fourth was Sylvain Pellissier's VOILERIE ALL PURPOSE and fifth was Maxime Rousseaux's GRAND OUEST ETIQUETTES.
Top winners for 40+ year old sailors was FRA 639 Naval Academy GC 29 sailed by Frédéric HAUVILLE. The first women's skipper and crew award went to PRINCE DE BRETAGNE FRA 1338 sailed by Pauline CHALAUX!
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