ETF26 European circuit planned for 2019
by Easy To Fly 18 Dec 2018 10:13 GMT
The ETF26 'Easy To Fly' foiler designed by Jean-Pierre Dick © Foiling Week / Giovanni Mitolo
Following their first season of racing in 2018, the ETF26 crews are ready to take up the challenge again on European sailing grounds in 2019. The ETF26 Series circuit will include two major regattas in France, next year: the Spi Ouest-France Destination Morbihan and the Grand Prix Guyader.
After racing on the Atlantic, the flying catamarans will return to Switzerland for the big Lake Geneva classic in mid-June: the Bol d'Or Mirabaud. The foiler's paradise, Lake Garda, in Italy will welcome the ETF26 for the Garda Foiling Week in July. The season will then end in the Mediterranean Sea. Programme presentation and explanations with Jean-Pierre Dick, behind the ETF26 Series.
Jean-Pierre Dick: "The ETF26 Series' first season was very instructive and exciting. We really enjoyed racing against each other. Today I'm convinced that this boat is the future! We are lucky enough to have superb events on the French coast. It seemed logical to us to give a French colour to the circuit in 2019, without forgetting the great European lakes that are passionate about sailing. This ETF Series circuit is adapted so that professionals and experienced amateurs can sail together.
Act 1: Spi Ouest-France Destination Morbihan from 19 to 22 April 2019 in la Trinité sur Mer (France)
"For the first time ever, there will be foilers at the Spi Ouest France! This big event gets the French sailing season under way. We are delighted to be able to take part in this big event at La Trinité sur Mer, in Brittany. The Quiberon Bay is perfect for foiling."
Act 2: Grand Prix Guyader from 4 to 7 May 2019 in Douarnenez (France)
"The Grand Prix Guyader is the logical follow-up to the Spi Ouest-France. The surroundings are magnificent and the sailing grounds perfect for foilers. The ETF26 will have a special course and will be able to do speed runs with other boats such as the IMOCAs, Multi 50s, etc."
Act 3: Bol d'Or Mirabaud on 15 June in Geneva (Lake Geneva, Switzerland)
"The Bol d'Or Mirabaud is the big mainstay of Swiss racing. This multi-series race brings together the European and Swiss sailing world. It is a long race, the super open race of the series. You need patience, observation and to be smart to win this race."
Act 4: Garda Foiling Week from 10 to 13 July in Malcesine (Lake Garda, Switzerland)
"In a way Garda Foiling Week is "the place to be" for a foiling yacht in Europe. It is an all-foiling race. The wind keeps going from morning to evening with a break for lunch! Anyone who loves thrills will really enjoy sailing on Lake Garda with a stunning scenes of cliffs in the background."
Act 5 in the Mediterranean
"We will announce the race in the Mediterranean Sea, a place I really love, in January."
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