SailGP teams train in Quiberon, France on ETF26 foiling catamarans
by Pierre Picot 12 May 2025 06:25 BST
28 April - 2 May 2025
SailGP teams train in Quiberon on ETF26s © Thomas Deregnieaux / QAPTUR
Several teams from the SailGP circuit have chosen the ENVSN Quiberon site for training (April 28 - May 2) aboard ETF26 foiling catamarans.
With the Rio SailGP Grand Prix cancelled and the ETF26 boats grouped together in Quiberon, the French, Danish (Rockwool) and Italian (RedBull) teams were able to quickly set up this training camp.
For four days, six boats (two per team) went through a series of start procedures and tactical courses orchestrated by Philippe Presti, the French coach of the Italian team. Piloting these veritable "Formula 1 of the seas" were Quentin Delapierre and Camille Lecointre for the French team, Nicolai Sehested and Tom Johnson on the Danish side, and Ruggero Tita and Kyle Langford for the Italian team.
As Pierre Picot, Director of Chantier des ETF26, points out:
"This is the first time that several teams from the SailGP circuit have organized such a training camp with the ETF26. This clearly demonstrates their interest in this boat, which enables them to perfect the use of foils, work on onboard communication and multiply tactical situations. It's a great advantage for preparing for the SailGP circuit. The Danish Rockwool team joined the ETF26 circuit last year, the French followed suit this year, and we're hoping that the Italians will get a taste for it and come and join us for the next ETF26 SERIES events."
For the Italian Redbull SailGP team, this week is also a great opportunity to familiarize themselves with this foiler, as flight controller Andrea Tesei points out:
"It's great to be able to sail on one of the closest boats compared to the ones we're used to sailing on, it was a lot of fun. First day on the boat so quite a lot to learn and understand, but the conditions were perfect for going head-to-head with the SailGP colleagues!"
Ruggero Tita, the Italian team's driver, completes the picture by emphasizing the closeness of the formats:
"The race format is really similar to what we're used to doing on SailGP, so it's really nice to be here to practice our reaching starts!"
Camille Lecointre, a member of the French team, particularly appreciates the opportunity to sail with a group of top-level crews:
"We decided to take part in the circuit with a female or mixed crew, and we took part in the first Grand Prix in April. We're continuing to gain experience on these flying boats, trying to find ways to train! This week, it's great because we have other SailGP crews present, so there are 6 boats with a very good level on the water!"
This intensive ETF26 training camp is therefore a key step for these teams in their preparation for upcoming SailGP circuit events, and confirms the growing interest in ETF26 catamarans as a high-level training and competition platform.
Next Events calendar 2025:
- Grand Prix École Navale, Brest: May 28-31
- Foiling Week, Lake Garda: June 25-28
- Grand Prix Riva Del Garda: August 27-30
- Grand Prix Mar Menor: October 15-18