A first one…
Last year, Grand Prix petit navire was already part of the french championship of speed crossing, the only event in the world where 60 riders were on the start line at the same time.
This year, they will be 100 to start from Sable Blancs beach ! « We hope it’s the beginy of a big story…the one of a complete European Championship Kite crossing », says Fabienne d’Ortoli, double world champion a few year ago, helping organization this year (and competing of course !)…
Already 60 riders registered, as : Hélène Barrière (Junior French & European Champion of freestyle), Caroline Adrien (french champion of speed crossing), Adrien Jaujou (vice French & European junior champion of freestyle), Alex Cazeirgues (vice world champion of speed), Bruno Sroka (french champion of speed crossing), Manu Taub (a famous speed recordman), etc….
With many races, (as much as possible in a day), the goal is to see who is the faster on this long distance (around 7 miles, depends of wind conditions). After each run, there is a ranking with points. « The only limits will be security and wind conditions » explain Ronan Jollé, responsable of this kitesurf race. « Also, departures will prove that kitesurfeurs are responsable people. »
Extras and animation
It’s not because it will be very busy on the water that nothing will happen on the beach !!! Ronan Jollé explain it : « we’ll have a Dirt Bike Contest on the site, where a pist will be done with a very impressive dune of 2,5M. Bike riders could express theirselves as much as they want with high jumps (more than 4m…), Back flip, 360°, etc….. Contest will be here every day with a night session on Monday during BBQ Hénaff, with DJ & Speaker. Also, next to this bike pist, a skateboard park will be here too, with riders from Sooruz & Suxxel. »
Douarnenez & kitesurf, a long story
It’s in the 90’s that kitesurf made him talk about it… We’ll have to wait third millesium to see this amazing sport get more and more popular, with help of pionner, often from windsurf. Today, anybody can learn kitesurf in a school, with big sensations assured !!
Patrimony, Educational, race and classic
If Grand prix Petit Navire has a big part for innovation and new sport, he doesnt forget his base which made it a real success and come to this big event today : Dragon race. They will be at least 80 in Douarnenez’s bay, with, this year, Melges and Open 7,5.
Port Rhu will be heart of patrimony’s animation the first week end.
Children have their place too ! Some educational actions will happen, called « apprends moi la mer » (teach me ocean).
Then, for the first time, 60 foot boat monocoque Imoca will be invitated in Douarnenez, their first meeting of the season ! For some of those, it would be their first race. So, Grand Prix Petit Navire will also a training for those boat « around the world », with a race in the bay.
