Benjamin Longy - CNBPP
2016 French Raceboard Championships at the CNBPP (La Baule - Pouliguen - Pornichet) from October 21 to 23, 23-year-old Benjamin Longy became the new 2016 French champion during a regatta that was played out with no less than 6 leaders, including the outgoing champion, Jean-Baptiste François, in 7 heats raced. One might have expected an open championship where any prognosis was risky, and this was fully confirmed. Benjamin, a member of the CNBPP, proved to be the most versatile, with all weather conditions encountered: lightwind, medium and breezy to finish.
Benjamin, first of all our congratulations on behalf of F.R.A. for this title. You entered this race as a local rider. Can you tell us why you decided to take part, as you obviously wanted to win, as you seemed very determined on the water. Are you new to raceboarding? Any special preparation?
"Thank you F.R.A.! Yes, you could say that, I'd only sailed this board once before, and that was during the 2012 French Youth Raceboard Championship, where I finished 4th. So I got back on this beautiful Mistral Equipe 2 the day before the competition (it belongs to my neighbor and former racer: Régis Dunand).
It's been 3 years now since I put windsurfing completely on the back burner. After 9 years of studying sport in La Baule, I decided to take a sandwich course, which meant I had to give up top-level sport. I turned to a much more leisurely and relaxing sport, which is surfing. Of course, I still surf when the conditions are right, or sail when I'm offered the chance.
A week ago I heard that a French / National windsurfing championship would be taking place at the CNBPP and therefore at my place; after seeing the list of registrants I immediately wanted to take part to see friends I hadn't seen for a long time. Once on the water with some of my old equipment (RSX 9.5 sail), reflexes and adjustments gradually returned, as did the desire to perform! But it's only when I find myself in the top three on the first day that I realize there's something to play for... until I lose the skin of my hands haha!
I don't want to disappoint anyone, but no, I didn't have any special preparation. However, I did manage to use my memories from previous years, and I'm lucky enough to know the water well, as well as the sail I used. With a little more time I'd certainly have changed the daggerboard lips and sailed a bit more!"
How did you manage the race in view of the forecast weather conditions and in the face of adversity you were discovering?
"I was impatiently waiting for a steady wind, so that I could be upwind and plan downwind so as not to see the Phantoms take off. I was also very scared in the medium wind of the light racers and the light sails which go very fast upwind. But in retrospect, it was great that the conditions were so even, allowing everyone to express themselves.
Were you aware that the title would be up for grabs in the final round against Paul Hirtzmann and Alain Cosson, who would suffer an incredible setback when he crashed out of the race on a windy run?
"Haha yes (but I didn't know about the fall)! After the first heat of the day, I thought it was going to be close. At the same time, I learned that the first of the round was OCS and that there was only one round left. After a quick calculation, all 3 of us were tied. I wanted to get a clear start and a good position on the line to do my best on the first close run, then I slid the rest of the way. Despite a few mistakes and a fall (me too on the last run) I was euphoric when I saw my lead at the finish."
What do you take away from these championships?
"Lots of good memories, I really had a blast for 4 days. I saw a lot of people and I'm really happy to see that I've got a few leftovers. I didn't realize until the end of the competition that I'd just won a French championship, and that I'm sure a lot of competitors had trained for it. I'm very proud to have won a French championship title."
Raceboarding is being relaunched, with one of its objectives being to position itself as a regatta support for young people leaving the T293 who no longer have a support within their reach. In fact, 17 of them took part in La Baule. What message would you give them?
"Raceboarding is a really great medium, with a really good atmosphere both on and off the water. There's a lot less head-scratching and I really like it. It's a very good alternative for continuing drift windsurfing after the T293. It's easy to learn and progress in all weathers, and requires less investment than RSX. You're bound to come to it sooner or later, and at any age, you're bound to meet up with friends who've taken up RSX. The advantage is that you'll be ahead of the game! PS: If I had to buy a centerboard for leisure, I'd obviously choose a Raceboard!!!"
Any possible projects for 2017 on this medium?
"Maybe I thought I'd start RSX again when I finished my studies, but I'm too far behind now. The Raceboard format would be a great alternative. I'll have to check with my club for equipment and my wallet for finances. For the time being, I need to find my first job before planning anything in windsurfing.
But I'd like to say that this championship has made me think a lot and I'm very motivated to start competing again!"
Anything else?
"I'm really happy to have become the new French raceboard champion at the CNBPP, where I was right at home. I really wanted to do well and represent my club. The championship was superbly organized, and it was the first time I'd seen so many boards here. And we had all the conditions we needed over the 3 days. I'd like to congratulate all the riders, but especially my former training partner from the La Baule Windsurfing Center of Excellence, Paul Hirtzmann (French vice-champion). Thanks to the CNBPP for the organization and the loan of equipment, to all the competitors for giving me the desire to give it my all, and thanks again to my former coaches Stéphan and Fabrice who taught me everything!"
