Before the start of this year’s Toulon-Provence Regatta, we took the opportunity to spend a week’s holiday in Le Lavandou. The focus was on relaxation and exploring the beautiful surroundings along the French Mediterranean coast. For me personally, the Côte d’Azur has held a special place in my heart for many decades. I have been spending several weeks in Le Lavandou regularly for over 30 years and now know the region almost as well as my second home.
The 2026 Toulon-Provence Regatta finally got underway on 7 May and ran until 10 May. A total of 25 boats from five nations took to the water, creating a strong, international field of competitors.
A total of eight races were held over the four days of the regatta. The sailors faced a wide variety of conditions: mainly sunny weather, changing wind conditions ranging from light to strong winds, and varying sea states – from calm waters to high waves. As a result, the races were very demanding both tactically and in terms of sailing ability.
As well as the sporting challenges, the social programme was also a highlight. As in previous years, evenings spent together enjoying excellent food and drink created a wonderful atmosphere amongst the participants. The traditional evening in the old town on Saturday once again provided the perfect finale to the event.
In sporting terms, Megan Pascoe from Great Britain came out on top and won the regatta. Second place went to Janos Libor from Gibraltar, followed by Benoit Melen from France in third place. Congratulations once again to the winners.
For me personally, the regatta unfortunately didn’t go quite as well as last year, when I managed to finish third. In the end, I finished fifth this year, but I was inducted into the ‘Hall of Fame’ for the second time.
I’m already looking forward to next year – I’ll be there again.
Michael Jakobs, GER 80, winner of the Report Trophy
