Ecole navale Grand Prix - Preview

• European Championship J80
• National open 7.50 et 5 .70
• 140 new generation monotypes
• 6 days of competitions

The Ecole navale Grand Prix 2006 will take place from 20th to 28th May 2006 between Brest bay and Crozon peninsula. An innovation for the 5th edition is that the Ecole navale will host many specific competitions for the participating classes such as the European Championship J/80 and the national Open 5.70 and Open 7.50. One hundred and forty new generation monotypes and more than 500 competitors are expected at the Ecole navale Grand Prix 2006 for a battle of fun, speed and technology around 3 buoys.

With the support of Brest métropole océane – Communauté urbaine, the Ecole navale will organise the European Championship J/80 from 23rd to 28th May 2006 where more than 60 sail boats including Italian, French, German and Spanish teams will be in Brest bay off Moulin Blanc harbour. (rond C). The large Open 7.50s will hold their National championship during the grand prix and will sail a long distance regatta on May 25th between Lanvéoc and Brest harbour. The Mumm 30, regular visitors to the Crozon peninsula, will come to practise before their European Championship (rond B). Note the presence of the high level Italian crew Joe Fly.

Lastly, the sportboats will start sailing in Poulmic Cove from May 26th. The Open 5.70s will compete in their National championship. The Spanish sailor Mikel Vazquez will notably defend his title. As they do every year, the Speed Feet 18, 747 OD, Mach 650, Django 670, Beeboat 650 and finally the Open 6.50s will perform a fantastic show. (rond A).

In five years this nautical race has become one of the most appreciated competition by the sailors who like big thrills and a real test bed for monohull novelties.

The Ecole navale Grand Prix: " It’s a unique gathering of human talent and innovatory technology. The Open 7.50 is a great boat, best of its type, coming in a variety of forms without loosing its smooth qualities in smaller versions. France is lucky to have an exceptional breeding ground of talented competitors and imaginative designers. They find in this grand prix the opportunity to compete the highest level in an arena that favours speed and fun. But also here in Lanvéoc, a very nice “Ecole navale” spirit prevails. There is a real atmosphere without restraint. The bay is absolutely fantastic, very well protected. The passion is palpable. » said La Baule native Loick Peyron who participated in the 2005 competition and who recently won the transatlantic race Jacques Vabre.

So, the day has again been fixed for the biggest garthering of sportboats in Europe, second round of the Sportboat Master Tour, a tour which will be celebrating its second year.

More Information:

• Ecole navale Grand Prix website