Peyron wins Open 7.50s

On final day of the Spi Ouest France-Bouygues Telecom regatta in La Trinite

Easter Monday in La Trinite-sur-Mer, saw the last day of racing of the 30th Spi Ouest France-Bouygues Telecom after its little upset at the beginning of the weekend. To compensate, the race committtee today pulled out all the stops and launched the maximum number of races this morning - in total classes have had four or five races despite the at times ferocious wind, spring tides, weather and the blockade of the fishermen.

At 0936, in 15-18 knots of westerly wind the first races today got going. The Open 7.50s were first away, followed by the Mumm 30s and J/105s. A little over an hour later, Race Director Christophe Gaumont gave the start of the last races for course B, while on course C, IRC 1 who had a general recall before getting away cleanly. At ten minutes intervals later, they were followed by IRC 2, 3 and 4.

In the Mumm 30s, ever popular as they are the boat used for the annual Tour de France a la Voile, there were 18 teams registered. The most noteworthy performance was that of the Cotes d'Armor teams who fielded three boats in the colours of their French department: blue, green and white, green being an all-female team.



The girls won a race this morning and finished third overall. Among their crew Pauline Semey, was the youngest, at 21 years old while Elodie Créach was the oldest having just turned 26. They are students for the most part and sail throughout the year out of the training centre in their department under the leadership of Laurent Bréjon. They will compete in the Tour de France à la Voile this summer. (Read more about this team in our interview with Clare LeRoy here)

Meanwhile for Eric Brezellec, the Spi was their first race in their Mumm 30 and, except for the skipper, all are amateurs. Ashore, a team led by Edith Letourneux accompanies them, distributing leaflets about the Association for Solidarity New Housing. Many of the sailing team are activiely involved in this project. The association, which is celebrating its 20 anniversary this year, has created 700 housing units and accommodation for over 3500 people. A patron, who wished to remain anonymous, has enabled them to take a vessel flying the colours of the SNL on the entire Mumm 30 circuit this season, including the Tour de France a la Voile.



Results

Open 7.50 :
1. L. Peyron - Team Mumm Gitana 30
2. D. Souben - DunkerqueClasse Promo
3. Y. Le Blevec - Actual

J/80: U. Muenker - Needles and Pins
J/105: S. Blanchard - J'Adore
Sun Fast 3200: F. Chabeau - Gilolo
BMW Sailing Cup: E Drouglazet - BMW Sailing Cup 3
Grand Surprise: O. Gentrix - Technichauffage
IRC 1: G. Trentesaut - Lady Courrier
IRC 2: T. Sanchez - Tiger
IRC 3: F. Bourderau - Charette III
IRC 4: J. Mazars - Côté Sailing - Dufour Yacht
IRC 5: P. Pilate - Overall Tapioca
First Class 8: P. Lesbos - Cdvh747