Primo Cup- Longtze Premier in Monaco
by Event Media on 16 Feb 2009
Primo Cup, Monaco. Longtze Premiers in action. Xavier de Lesquen
The Primo Cup is the first regatta of the season and one of a series of five on the European Tour for the “Son of the Dragon”. Originally a Thompson 8, the boat has been further developed by former members of the America’s Cup China Team. Without compromising comfort, low draught allows it to be as fast as possible. It’s an off-wind flyer thanks to its light hull propelled by a big sailplan totaling 92.5 m²for a 6.84 m boat.
13 boats were expected, and 11 showed. The class was the toast of the regatta. Responsive and fast, with speeds touching 17 knots at times, the Longtze Premier and its simple deck layout proved very simple to sail. With almost insolent ease, Nicolas Berenger on Kone Monospace demonstrated yet again his talent and capacity to adapt from being a solo sailor in the Figaro to the wholly new Longtze Premier as part of a team. In a class which attracted many Figaro stars (Erwan Tabarly, Christopher Pratt, Marc Emig), Olympic medallists Guillaume Florent and Luc Gellusseau, alongside the likes of Pierre Mas and Xavier de Lesquen, Nicolas Berenger won with five bullets from seven races.
“As a sporting event, this has been a very competitive regatta, despite what the results would have you believe. Thank you to all my crew who gave it everything they’ve got all weekend!” commented Bérenger, whose crew comprised the same people who have helped him to victory in the Mumm 30 series in the past.
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