From Palma to Hyères: 470 fleet heads to the next Grand Slam test
by International 470 Class Association 16 Apr 07:48 BST
18-25 April 2026
56th Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères day 3 © Sailing Energy
The Sailing Grand Slam season continues as the 470 fleet now turns its focus from Palma de Mallorca to the French Riviera, where the Semaine Olympique Française - French Olympic Week 2026 will take place from 18 to 25 April in Hyères.
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Hyères is one of the most iconic sailing venues in Europe. Known for its strong and consistent Mistral winds, the race area offers challenging and dynamic conditions that reward both tactical awareness and physical endurance. The venue gained additional prominence in 2024, when it hosted the Last Chance Regatta ahead of the Olympic Games, confirming its status as a key battleground for the world's top sailors. Racing will officially run from Monday, 20 April to Saturday, 25 April, with the final medal series deciding the winners at the end of the week.
Defending champions return
Last year's winners, Germany's Simon Diesch and Anna Markfort, arrive in Hyères as the team to beat. With 48 entries from 18 nations, the event once again gathers the world's elite. Teams from countries such as Australia, China, and India underline the global strength of the fleet, while the overall level suggests a true "who's who" of the 470 class.
Second stop of the Grand Slam
As the second event of the Sailing Grand Slam circuit, Hyères represents a crucial milestone in the season. With a slightly smaller but extremely competitive fleet compared to Palma, the emphasis shifts even more toward precision and performance under pressure.
Combined with the demanding wind conditions typical of southern France, the Semaine Olympique Française is expected to be a decisive test for both established leaders and rising teams looking to make their mark on the international stage.
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