Hyeres signs on the dotted line

TP52 Breitling Medcup coming to the famous French sailing town next year

After being retained by the ‘Association Méditerranéenne’ of the TP 52 boat owners last July, the Town of Hyères confirmed its commitment to the event on Tuesday 28th November with the signing of the hosting contract during a press conference attended by the Mayor Léopold Ritondale, Edmond Bacci, elected head of watersports, Arturo Delgado, President of the TP 52 Association, Ignacio Tray, President of the circuit’s organising body as a whole and Fernando Inigo, the circuit’s marketing manager.

In this way, the Town of Hyères is to become the first French town to host a stage of the prestigious Breitling Medcup circuit from 10th to 15th September 2007.

Created in the USA and launched in Europe in 2005, the TP 52 boat circuit (for Transpacific 52 footers or 15.85m craft) has witnessed outstanding success and now stands out as the reference circuit for top level international sailing in the tradition of the America’s Cup.

With 13 boats in 2005, close to 20 in 2006, and 25 to 30 expected in 2007 representing 12 nationalities, the circuit brings together enthusiastic owners, the biggest stars from world sailing, the prestige of the top personalities (such as HM Juan Carlos, HRH Prince Felipe, HM Harald of Norway) and some of the best yacht designers - Bruce Farr, Judel Vrolijk, Reichel Pugh, and Botin Carkeek.

The event will be the last meeting of the 2007 circuit after Castellon in Spain (13th/ 17th June), the Breitling Regatta and the Copa Del Rey in Majorca (18th/ 22nd July/ 5th August) and Portimao in Portugal (19th/ 25th August); a circuit which is to culminate at the end of September with the TP 52 World Championship in Porto Cervo, Sardinia.

The event organisation will mobilize nearly 200 people from the circuit’s Spanish management company, Medcup Management, making full use of the services provided by the Town of Hyères and the sports department in particular, run by Michel Canone, and the Sirius Evénements company, presided over by Manfred Ramspacher.