Five finallists chosen

Challenge Espoir Région Bretagne to win a two year Figaro campaign goes into its final phase

Of the 15 young skippers who took part in the first phase of selection to win the Challenge Espoir Région Bretagne and a two year paid-for Figaro campaign, the jury has now selected five. After a week of crewed racing, the finallists will confront on the water alone from 31 March once again in Port-la Forêt.

At 1500 today the jury delivered their verdict, announcing the five finallists as Damien Cloarec of Morlaix YC, Fabien Delahaye from Caen, François Gabart from Nice, Adrien Hardy from Nantes and Anthony Marchand from Plérin.

They all showed the greatest determination on the water and ashore over the course of the four and a half days of trials.

Looking at several criteria allowed the jury to choose the five finallists: a written test, three physical tests, an evaluation of their ability to helm, decide tactical manoeuvres, and to lead a crew, their potential for growth, their maturity to run projects.

Christian Pope, Director of the Figaro training centre in Port la Foret commented: "The 15 skippers who took part this week are now part of the network. We know they have all the qualities. The Challenge Espoir Région Bretagne is a wonderful opportunity but it is not the only path to get into racing. Our selection is regulated, it reflects a certain state of mind. Younger applicants may return in two years. As for the others if you have the motivation, there are other avenues to try and you will get there."

Henry Bacchini, Vice-Chairman of the FFVoile wished to express its support for all: "There are major winners of this Challenge who have subsequently graduated up to the IMOCA 60 circuit such as Sebastien Josse and Yann Eliès. This course has been in existence for 14 years, and it works well. Thanks to Brittany which supports young emerging talent - it is a beautiful event. "

In conclusion, Philippe Gomes, the representative of the Brittany Region, pointed out that "the Brittany Region is pleased to be associated with this formula for detecting young talent. Thanks to the French Sailing Federation, which ensures that selection, the skippers of the pole who donated their time and the leaders of the pole doing wonderful work."

The next phase of the Brittany Region Challenge Espoir start will be held from Monday, 31 March to Thursday, 3 April. The five finalists will be singlehanded on board a Figaro Bénéteau II to prove they should be the one to become, for two seasons, the standard bearer for the Espoir Région Bretagne".

Many thanks to the skippers who took their time to assess the young skippers: Jérémie Beyou, Marc Bouvet, Franck Cammas, Samantha Davies, Michel Desjoyeaux, Yann Eliès, Gilles Favennec, Sebastien Josse, Jean le Cam, Gildas Mahé, Gildas Morvan, Ronan Treussart, Thomas Rouxel, Vincent Riou.