Avoiding the blockade

Deauville International Sailing Week manages to sidestep the French fishermen

Sunday saw the third Deauville International Sailing Week finish on a high note: two races were run in glorious sunshine prior to the boats returning to the quayside late in the morning, bringing the total number of races sailed up 10-12 depending upon the class.

The week had begun under difficult circumstances thanks to the strike by fishermen all along the north coast of France. However a constant dialogue with the representatives of the Trouville/Deauville fishermen enabled disruption to be avoided. At the same time it proed an opportunity to renew the support of the pleasure boat industry for that of the fishermen.

Nearly 80 yachts and 500 crew gathered third Deauville International Sailing Week, showing the ever increasing development of the event over the past three years and its potential forthe future.

Ideal weather conditions with sun and 10 to 18 knots of breeze, quickly replaced the storms at the start of the week and provided racers with four days of intense racing and enjoyment, as the red faces on the quaysides at the end of the competition bore witness.

Up to four races a day were held on the Baie de Seine in three race zone. The eight classes served up a mix of British, Dutch and French winners.

The 2008 class winners:

747 OD (National): LES LOUSTICS - Vincent Flautre (France)
J 80 (French Cup): IMPRIMERIE LECAUX OCEP MARINE CHERBOURG – Fabrice Simon (France)
FC.7.5 (Trophée CBS OUTDOOR): HABOOB – Christophe Jomier (France)
J/109: (J 109 EuroCup) FIRESTORM – Jon Perry (United Kingdom)
Mumm 30 (French Crewed Championship): NOUVELLE CALEDONIE – Bernard Mallaret (France)
Sportsboats: PORT DE CAEN OUISTREHAM- Fabien Delahaye (France)
IRC 1 (Trophée Manche (Channel Trophy) UNCL): WEERGA: Wessel Liezenga (Holland)
IRC 2: (Trophée Manche (Channel Trophy) UNCL) : ASTARTE – Nicholas Jones (United Kingdom).