Now a contender for the premier event in this year’s 2.4mR calendar, this has got to be the highlight of the year!
It was lovely to arrive in the Cote D’Azur after driving through beautiful France and see the seven 12mR’s moored up in the primary position in the town quay. The town was decorated with street lamp posters, flags and a large video screen erected especially for the event, anticipation that something big was about to happen was thanks mainly to the Toulon Marie and the huge Naval Base, the biggest in France.
After removal of trailer mudguards to enable some boats to enter through the narrow entrance we were presented by a very welcoming club, some polo shirts and obligatory security cards as we were alongside the Naval Base. The launching included a celebration of Ulli Libor’s new boat hitting water for the first time with his family.
The Practice racing was cancelled due to the 33knt mistral blowing which prevented all sailing that day. This was very suitably replaced by a complimentary ‘Flying champagne buffet’ situated in an amazing fort overlooking the sailing areas at the top of the hill. It would be from here that spectators would be able to view the forthcoming racing and more video screens/cameras.
Racing day one was looking good and after the ominous threat of towing out we all chose to sail instead through the harbour past the warships and ferries in the warm breeze.
This was where Megan Pascoe set the precedent in her newly launched boat (Super 3) with a first place, the first of many to come. Four races were held that day and the leaders were soon being established in the gradually increasing breeze. The days sailing was followed by free refreshments at the club. We then had a grand tour on inside and out of the 12mR fleet, such amazing yachts. This was followed by a barbeque held in a local restaurant, all complementary again of course.
Day 2 saw some challenging sailing. With very few knowing the local area it was becoming apparent that going right seemed to pay dividends, although very difficult to see why from the sailor’s point of view. Urs Infanger was now establishing a safe second place after Megan in his David Holme designed boat ‘After Eight’, some 40 kg lighter than the Norlin’s and with a smaller mainsail.
This evening’s highlights included a trip around the very grand naval museum with another complimentary buffet and speeches followed by a trip to the local town square and its many lively restaurants. We each were given 30 Euro credit notes to enjoy the local foods and some sailors even succumbed to dancing the night away.
Sore heads in the morning and by the last race both Megan and Urs had secured first and second respectfully but for the rest it was far from over. A somewhat port biased starting line caused the first general recall of the series and the so far unused black flag was given an airing for the next start but still, surprisingly, on the same biased line. This resulted in five BFD disqualifications. Michael Jakobs (GER) was able to discard his giving him a well-deserved third place but Janos Libor and myself were moved pleasantly up the results table to forth and fifth respectfully. A very well organised craning out, yet another free champagne buffet alongside the prizegiving and the long weekend was sadly nearing its end.
And what a weekend it was, SUPERB!
Many thanks has to go to so many people but especially Christophe Etorre, Patsie and Louis Marie from Toulon and of course Loic for such a memorable and successful event. So keep a note in your diary for next year’s Regatta de Toulon, 7th May 2026.
By Bruce Hill, GBR 842, winner of the Report Trophy
