The 2025 EurILCA Master France wrapped up yesterday, marking the conclusion of the second regatta in the 2025 EurILCA Master Series.
Held at the Club Nautique Saint-Raphaël, the event saw 60 sailors from 9 different countries participate.
The event in Saint-Raphaël faced a challenging start, with the opening day on January 31st seeing no racing action due to adverse weather conditions. Wind speeds below 4 knots and torrential rain forced competitors to remain ashore while the club’s race committee worked diligently to establish a course. Despite their efforts, fluctuating wind conditions throughout the day and diminishing daylight prevented any racing from taking place.
However, day two of the competition (February 1st) proved more successful, with three races completed under dynamic conditions. The day began with steady winds of 12-13 knots and challenging sea conditions, characterized by a distinctive swell pattern created by offshore winds meeting river currents. While the course was set on schedule, a last-minute wind shift caused slight delays to the start.
The ILCA 7 fleet showed strong performance with an excellent first start, though subsequent starts proved more challenging for ILCA 6. Throughout the day, wind conditions remained variable, with occasional sunny spells brightening the proceedings. As the day progressed, wind speeds intensified to 18-20 knots, prompting some competitors to return to shore. The race committee made the prudent decision to shorten the third race at the nearest mark.
Competitors expressed satisfaction with the day’s racing, which provided numerous opportunities for tactical competition and position defense. The varying conditions, with wind speeds fluctuating between under 10 knots and more forceful gusts, tested the sailors’ adaptability and skill.
The day concluded with a social gathering for competitors and volunteers, with anticipation building for tomorrow’s racing. Given the unpredictable nature of weather conditions experienced thus far, the organization is maintaining a flexible approach to race management.
The final day of racing commenced early with the first race starting promptly at 10:00. Despite calm winds, competitors faced a pronounced offshore swell. Both ILCA 6 and ILCA 7 categories enjoyed successful racing throughout the day. The race committee made strategic decisions to shorten some courses during the final upwind legs to maintain target race times. Wind conditions remained relatively light at around 10 knots throughout the day under overcast skies, which unfortunately didn’t showcase the typical French Riviera winter weather.
Upon returning to shore, competitors were welcomed with hot soup and pasta. The event concluded with an awards ceremony attended by the club president and Mr. Michel Kaidomar, representing the Mayor of Saint-Raphaël. All participants expressed their satisfaction with the weekend’s competition, during which six races were successfully completed despite the challenging conditions.
After all, the winners in each category were as follows:
ILCA 6 winners – 2025 EurILCA Master FRA
- ILCA 6 Apprentice Master – Nicolo Elena ITA
- ILCA 6 Apprentice Master Women – Hanne Jansch GER
- ILCA 6 Master – Pierrik Devic MON
- ILCA 6 Master Women – Magali Cathonnet FRA
- ILCA 6 Grand Master – Luigi Santocanale FRA
- ILCA 6 Grand Master Women – Isabelle Viazzo FRA
- ILCA 6 Great Grand Master – Jean Philipp Galle FRA
- ILCA 6 Great Grand Master Women – Monica Bodmer SUI
- ILCA 6 Legend – Miguel Alvarez ESP
ILCA 7 winners – 2025 EurILCA Master FRA
- ILCA 7 Apprentice Master – Francesco Bottoni ITA
- ILCA 7 Master – Nicolas Dumonceau BEL
- ILCA 7 Grand Master – Christoph Marsano AUT
- ILCA 7 Great Grand Master – Jose Luis Doreste ESP
The 2025 EurILCA Master Series will now move to its third round in Calella, Spain. The event will take place from April 3 to 6 at Club Vela Calella. Entries for this event are open until March 27. You can find all the information here:
Enter now! 2025 EurILCA Master ESP
Keep smiling, keep sailing!
The EurILCA Team
Report by Agustín Argüelles – EurILCA | Source and photos by Lawrence Banahan – CNSR.
