(Marseilles, France)- In just about six months, over 150 J/80s are expected to participate in the J/80 Worlds hosted in Marseilles, France from July 6th to 13th. A majority of the fleet will most certainly come from France as it has evolved as the largest one-design class in the country, some fleets will send over a dozen boats. Strong contingents will also include Spain, home to the past few year's World Champions, as well as strong contenders from England, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Sweden and Denmark. Over 15 nations are expected to be represented at the event. Marseilles is a remarkable place to sail, situated as a city-by-the-Mediterranean sea at the southern end of a long chain of mountains that are part of the French Alps. If weather fronts aren't passing through and generating good breeze, the near "adiabatic" winds that can be generated in the form of "mistrals" and "sea breezes" provide the sailors plenty of challenges as they look for advantage on the race course. As a result, the Match Race France event is always held in Marseilles in their fleet of J/80s, part of the World Match Race Tour. For more J/80 Worlds Marseille sailing information
As part of team training, it's evident many French fleets and others around Europe are already making preparations to be in top shape for the event. Here's a quick synopsis of what is happening so far in France:
J/80 La Rochelle, France:
Despite the fact it's middle of winter on the Bay of Biscay, several J/80s have already gone sailing in the New Year! Four boats went training, BALAJO, CHARLY, J'ILE DE RE and JYPSIENS. Saturday it was very cold and rainy but all were bundled-up to stay warm! At 1400 hrs, the boats went out in a fresh 20 kts NE breeze for about three hours of sailing on small douses and performing both boat speed and boat-handling maneuvers.
On Sunday the teams sailed from 1000 hrs to 1530 hrs with a WNW wind 10 knots and above all a beautiful sun! The program again for the day was speed tests, adjustments, and course exercises. All of this was filmed and recorded with GPS for debrief and analysis afterwards onshore. Thanks to contribution from Ann-Pascale.
J/80 Pornic, France:
Like their friends in La Rochelle, the Pornic fleet is starting its training this coming weekend. About twelve boats are expected on the water for training. Great weather with 5-10 kts northerly winds swinging WNW, sun and a pleasant temperature are expected.
J/80 La Trinite sur Mer, France:
This year, the La Trinite J/80 fleet is hosting its 5th edition of La Trinité J/80 Challenge! There are always five weekends planned for a combination of training and racing with commentary/ analysis afterwards. To make it fun, the top three events will be selected for the general results. The format for each weekend is:
- Saturday- training with a specific theme and coach
- Sunday- racing short courses with results counting for the Challenge.
On the last weekend, the races will take place on Saturday and the awards ceremony on Saturday evening. This year, each weekend is named after one of our sponsor/ partners!
1 - Nautic Sport - 2/3 February
2 - La Plancha - 16/17 February
3 - Casino Partouche - 2/3 March
4 - Armorlux - 16/17 March
5 - Zing Café - 23/24 March
Finally, for SPI OUEST France, on Friday, March 29 at 18:30, there will be a "Soiree Nacional" that will honor the best crews of all fleets in France. Thanks for contribution from Arnaud Walter.
For more information on French J/80 sailing & training events.
