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(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.
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Everyone
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