This year, the National French Cup took place in June, which is unusual. It is difficult to bring together a large number of sailors during this month.
11 boats registered, including a German boat with Lutz Schröder.
On Friday morning, everyone met for breakfast at the boathouse of the Yacht Club de l'Île de France. A long table was set up in the shade at the entrance.
At 14 p.m., the race committee gave the starting signal for the first race. There was a steady wind of 6 to 8 knots from the west. The sky was slightly cloudy and the temperature was ideal. Nicolas Jourdan won the first race ahead of Lutz Schroder. Noteworthy is the fine third place finish by Eric Guibourge, who is discovering the 3mR for the first time aboard a boat loaned by the club. Then it is Christophe Guilbaud's turn, on Megan Pascoe's former boat, to lead the fleet until the fifth race. Lutz regains the lead in race 2.4, the last of the day at around 5 p.m.
At 19 p.m., it was time for an aperitif, where everyone reported on their races before heading to dinner in front of the boathouse.
On Saturday morning after breakfast, the race committee gave the start at 10:30 a.m. A light, very light, very, very light wind gave Lutz his second victory. Then it was Michel Villette's turn, who put in an outstanding performance with three wins. At the end of the day, four sailors are separated by just one point. Everything will be decided on Sunday in the last three races.
On Saturday evening, dinner is served outdoors. Friends, volunteers and the race committee join in to enjoy a wonderful evening.
On Sunday morning at 10 a.m., it's back to business. Michel Villette takes the lead with a fourth victory. But Lutz Schroder did not come from Germany to drink "pastis". He wins the last two races just ahead of Christophe Etorre, who secures second place overall.
With 13 races, the 2025 National French Cup was an interesting regatta with a nice podium and many surprises. There were even two false starts, which is rare on the Seine. The weather on the first day was perfect. On Saturday and Sunday, the wind was a little more difficult, but we always started on time. The atmosphere was very good. We were all very happy to spend this time together.
The winners were announced by the organisers from a ladder.
Next year the National French Cup will take place in September and we hope to welcome 30 boats to our beautiful club.
Christophe Etorre, FRA 9, for the winner of the Report Trophy Benoit Melen, FRA 5
Benoit is the winner of the Report Trophy, but had to travel abroad immediately after the last race. So Christophe accepted the trophy for him and wrote the report. Thanks, Christophe!
Christophe Etorre
Benoit Melén (archive image)