Longtze World Event at Hyères
by Catherine Ecarlat 15 Nov 2011 09:22 GMT
11-13 November 2011
Stunning images, superb weather, and an increasingly high skill level: the 2011 Longtze season concluded in true style this Sunday in Hyères with a victory by Nicolas Bérenger’s team (1 Maillot pour la Vie), closely pursued by a newcomer, Bertrand Castelnerac (Stade Français) who only recently discovered the Longtze. Completing this “world” podium was Laurent Abignoli’s southern team (Tendrisse). 25 amateur and professional crews battled it out neck and neck for three days in Hyères, and are determined to meet again in 2012!
“The Longtze regattas are getting harder and harder! The skill level has really jumped up a notch during the season. The fleet is very closely matched, the slightest error could see you lose 15 places! From the first day, we wanted to make our mark because we knew we were one of the most experienced crews on the Longtze but, very quickly, the new guys got stuck in and this proved to be a very hard fought win! Plus we had really windy conditions, (15-20 knots) where the sailing is particularly physical”, comments Nicolas Bérenger, winner of the overall event with five out of eleven race wins.
But experience isn’t everything in a Longtze. Proof is the relatively out-of-character performance of Eckhard Kaller’s German team « Wet Feet », very accustomed to first place (he finished 5th) ; and in contrast, the remarkable second place of the newcomers from Lorient, « Stade de France » led by Bertrand Castelnerac. It was their very first outing in a Longtze, on board a scantily equipped boat bought just two weeks ago...
“We were just getting to know the boat and the crew had never sailed together but we had a great time ! We made quite a few operating errors and had a few minor technical concerns which stopped us from hustling Nicolas more (Bérenger), but we sailed well, we have a superb team and were able to play out front, the opportunity is exciting and we are ready to come back next season if we find a sponsor!”, outlines Bertrand Castelnerac.
But don’t be fooled. The sailing professionals, the sailors of the highest level, are not the only ones to make off with the best ranking and pull off the best performances on the Longtze circuit. In spite of the extremely different nautical courses, this fleet which is so humanly and physically diverse is singularly homogenous once racing.
“We have more and more owners and more and more top level sailors joining the circuit now, which makes for a super closely matched mix yet still very friendly!” remarks Nicolas Bérenger.
With the Longtze World Event 2011 in Hyères, the Longtze circuit successfully wraps up its third European season. More than 60 Longtze now sail throughout Europe. The Longtze European Tour circuit grew hugely this year. For two seasons it has been firmly partnered by the Longtze Student Cup, itself in a rapid growth phase.
The Dragon’s Son comes of age and it suits him, as the winner of the event confirms: “we realise that the boat is aging well from season to season, it has a beautiful light handle and it’s strong, which is another very positive point for the development of the class.”