Very young during holidays on the French Riviera, I learned to sail with my brothers on the family Ponant. A large and beautiful dinghy that is easily recognized with its red jib, ideal for the mistral in the Mediterranean.
Later, I had the chance to live in Antibes and to study in Nice. The port of Antibes is one of the most dynamic in France. The most beautiful boats in the world meet each year for technical stopovers. In the 80s, I was able to sail on exceptional boats in IOR: Antipolis, a ¾ ton plan Frers in wood, Bodacious (one tonner), Ikra (12JI) and L’Esprit d’Equipe 2 and Defender (maxi), the English boat of the Windbread. Every year, I did the Nioulargue in St Tropez, the Copa del Rey in Palma, the Tour de Corse, the Royal Regattas in Cannes, the Hyères week as well as all the local regattas between Monaco and Marseille.
In the 90s, I sailed a lot on Choupette, a Mumm 36, former boat of the German team in the Admiral Cup. My first boat, a Micro proto based at the Yacht Club de l'Île de France. At the time, the Micro was a very important series at the club.
In 2016, Jean-Marie Vennin, who was a member of the team of France of 2.4mR, convinced me to buy the 2.4mR which has long served as a flowerpot in the neighboring club. Since then, about fifteen boats have joined the club.
Charts:
- Tour de Corse (Mediterranean Trophy): Antipolis ¾ ton 1984
- Tour de Corse (Mediterranean Trophy): Choupette Mumm 36 1996