In the bag for Mumms and Open 7.50s

A report from the Grand Prix Petit Navire in Douarnanez

The first chapter of the Grand Prix Petit Navire ended tonight for the windsurfers, Mumm 30s and Open 7.50s. Unlike yesterday, the weather conditions were ideal for the Mumm 30s and the Open 7.50s, but not good enough for the windsurfers, who haven't been able to put in a single race in the entire three days of this competition.

“I wouldn't wish it on anyone to have conditions such as yesterday” said Erwan Dubois, who won on the first day aboard the Open 7.50 Guyader Esprit de la Mer. “The wind was blowing in all directions, really not easy and the race committee had to be vigilant and very adaptable.”

In total the Open 7.50s held five race and Erwan Lebec, on Jaouen Aquaculture, finished first, followed by the defending champion - Nicolas Groleau on Adonnante.com. The President of the class, former ORMA 60 skipper Marc guillemot, aboard Vecteur Plus, took third place. “Overall, we are happy,” explained Nicolas Raynaud, member of Guillemot's crew. “This is a class you have to be careful with, the smallest mistake can be disastrous.”

The Mumm 30 series held six races in total in the two days of the Grand Prix Petit Navire. Vincent Portugal aboard Belvédère-EDC-EBSCO was the winner of the event. Jimmy Pahun's 'young ones' on board Rue-du-Port.com did well and took second place, just ahead of another Tour Voile veteran Pierre Loïc Berthet on Bouygues Telecom. However, protests are on in this class and the positions might change.

Once more, the Bay of Douarnenez allowed a great show to be put on. While this is the end of the regatta for the windsurfs, Mumm 30s and Open 7.50 series, the Grand Prix Petit Navire goes on until 8 May for the Dragons, Optimists and Kite surfer.

Results (before protests) :

Mumm 30 (six rounds)
1st Belvédère-EDC-EBSCO (Vincent Portugal)
2nd Rue-du-Port.com (Nicolas Pauchet)
3rd Bouygues Telecom (Pierre Loïc Berthet)

Open 7.50 (five rounds)
1st Jaouen Aquaculture (Erwan Lebec)
2nd Adonnante.com (Nicolas Groleau)
3rd Vecteur Plus (Marc Guillemot)