(La Trinite sur Mer, France)- For many sailors in the northern
hemisphere Easter regattas are the first major test of a new season.
Perhaps the most competitive Easter regatta of all is SPI OUEST France-
the largest inshore regatta in France and home to some of the world’s
most competitive sportsboat and IRC fleets in Europe.The fleet is based in La Trinité-sur- Mer and racing takes place in the splendid surroundings of the Quiberon Bay in southern Brittany. The islands of Belle Ile, Houat and Hoëdic offer shelter and also spectacular scenery for coastal races. Lorient is only 15 miles to the north, which means the regatta attracts the cream of French offshore racing sailors who are based there. The beautiful scenery, consistent winds, and top-level competition of SPI OUEST France are a hard combination to beat.
The Société Nautique de La Trinité-sur- Mer (SNT) organizes the regatta. The club is undergoing a rejuvenation at present under the stewardship of its ambitious president, Antoine Croyère.
“My fondest memories of sailing are of competing internationally– as a youngster racing around the world with Eric Tabarly and more recently racing double-handed in the Fastnet. One of my aims since becoming president of the SNT has been to have more international involvement, both of our club members competing abroad and with international teams coming to race with us,” commented Mr. Croyère.
One-design sports boats make up more than half of the SPI OUEST fleet. The J/80s will once again be the biggest fleet (there were 73 last year), with numerous world champions from France and Spain expected to attend in 2019. There are also signs that the French J/70 fleets are developing well; aided in part by the SNT’s own youth teams.
“Traditionally our youth teams have raced in French boats such as the Open 5.70. Recently, however, the club has bought two J/70s and we would like to buy eight more. It will enable our youngsters to race internationally and, hopefully, encourage more international teams to come and race us here,” said Croyère. For more SPI OUEST France sailing information Add to Flipboard Magazine.
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