A look back at the French championship with an interview with Jean-Baptiste François, who dominated the event after several years' absence. Spurred on by the return to competition of Eric Belot and Alex Gallier, he couldn't resist the challenge.
You'd been taking part in regattas for the past few years after winning 4 French championships. What motivated you to come back?
It was a positive thing for me to set myself a new goal and prepare for it, to get back into shape. It's not easy when you've been doing competitive sport all your life to keep doing it without any real challenge. I'd kept all my equipment since the last France event in Quiberon in 2019, so I had a bit of time to prepare. The championship took place in Lacanau, not too far from my home, and above all on a lake, which requires a little less technique than at sea, and above all has a real tactical appeal, with the wind constantly varying in direction and strength (real regatta!). Last year there were quite a few people signed up, so I was pleased to see that there was still a lot of momentum. So I got Hugo (Boujean) to come along and we had a really good time.
Podium of the 2023 French Championship - CVLG Lacanau
Eric Belot (Silver) - Jean-Baptiste François (Gold) -Alex Gallier (Bronze)
What changes did you notice in the championship after the break?
Above all, I noticed that my preparation had been too short. In terms of sailing feeling, it came back very quickly, right from the first sessions. Physically, it was more complicated. I think that's partly due to the conditions, which were pretty tough, starting with the training run in very strong winds. But it's clear that if I want to do longer races again, I'll have to be more rigorous about my physical condition...
In sporting terms, you led the fleet with an unbeatable score. Only Eric Belot was able to challenge you, winning the only two races you didn't win. What were your strengths in taking the lead, and what did you need to get the better of Eric?
I think I know my equipment and settings very well, so I don't have to think too much about my speed. After that, it's just a matter of getting the best possible start and following the oscillations and reefs. In the 2 races that Éric Belot won, the wind was lighter and he was faster than me, with a better course/speed ratio. I tried to fight to stay in contact and get back in front, but I couldn't do it. In the second race, he overtook me on the1st downwind leg, and in the third race I think I started a little too far back, and after that I was never able to catch up. Well done to him. He was untouchable in these 2 races.
Will you be back in 2024? What are your potential goals?
I realized that it was good for me, physically and mentally, to have goals and spend time on the water. So I'm thinking of continuing in 2024. There's a championship in Cadiz, Spain, in September. I'm going to try to find partners to do some training sessions, because it's not very interesting or motivating to train alone. Similarly, I'll only go if I can join a group. It's much more fun to experience it with others.
To train, there's Vincent and Arnaud in La Rochelle and Fred and Hugo in Brittany. After that, maybe 2 groups could be interesting to prepare for this event with those who want to.
And then, I'll probably come back to Lacanau next year if the championship is renewed there. The organization was very nice and very well run.
A message to pass on?
I'd like to thank the FRA association and all those who do their bit to keep windsurfing alive. The idea of using a drone in this competition was a real plus in encouraging other people to come and compete in a championship. And so was the idea of gold and silver fleets.
I think you can love wing, foil and driftboard, they're different but complementary sports, there's no opposition to be made between them. I think this versatility only makes them better. So, of course, anyone who wants to come and sail with a daggerboard is welcome at this type of championship 😉
