420 Worlds- Australia-France exchange program
by Richard Gladwell on 5 Aug 2005
Brest will pair with Sydney to jointly host a 420 crew from each country leading to 2008 470 Worlds Franck Gicquiaud
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Loic Pajot, president of the French sailing club Société des Régates de Brest and Ian Souter, captain of the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club of Sydney, have officially signed a pairing convention to exchange two top level sailors/crew.
Over a period of six months, two French crews will be hosted in Australia, while two Australians crews will do the same in Brest. Each sailing team will train and race in the host country.
Each club will supply competitors with a job and a home during their stay, in order they do not have any worries about their daily life.
As such, competitors will gain experience racing 420's and 470's; one of the objectivse to be ready for the 2008 470 World Championship in Melbourne. This agreement will allow competitors to sail all year taking advantage of the best periods in each country.
It is the first time that such a twinning agreement has been signed between two sailing clubs, especially so far from each other.
This is a direct benefit of the opportunities created by the international goodwill so obvious at the 2005 420 World Championship.
The World Championship has been a great success, with good organisation and a partnership built between the City Council and its nautical department; the Regional Council, French Sailing Federation, 420 International Class and the partner companies which have made Jean Pierre Champion, President of the French Sailing Federation, curious enough to come and spend a day looking at races - a great honour for Brest.
Source: www.420worldchampionship.srbrest.com
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