XOD French Championships at Yacht Club du Crouesty-Arzon

XOD French Championships in Southern Brittany © Monsieur Jean

XOD French Championships in Southern Brittany © Monsieur Jean

For the second year running, some of the more adventurous XOD owners, crew and supporters set off to compete in the "French Nationals", once again superbly hosted by the Yacht Club du Crouesty-Arzon in Southern Brittany. The race area was on the Bay of Quiberon and within sight of the entrance to the Golfe du Morbhian. The event ran over five days from the 17-21 September and six of the eight races scheduled were sailed. The format was windward/leeward courses and two races a day.

On arrival the boats were rigged with the ingenious use of two J24s on the hard, using their main halyards to lift the XOD rigs in. Apparently this method was introduced the previous year by a certain XOD and J24 legend.

The first day of racing was sensibly cancelled, and the planned lay-day swapped, to allow the fleet to go on a sightseeing trip of the Golfe du Morbhian, taking in the vegetarian restaurants of the beautiful Ile aux Moines.

The first two races were sailed in 22-25 knots of breeze in seas rather larger than most XODs have ever seen in their lifetime, providing excellent surfing conditions and particularly wet rides to windward in the glorious sunshine. Mersa, helmed by Karl Thorne, took both races having shown good speed upwind, and benefitting from carrying more crew weight than the other boats.

The following day saw two more races, this time dominated by Beatrix helmed by William Norris, and Julia helmed by Stephen Whiteman who clocked up a win each in the somewhat lighter and calmer conditions. By the end of the second day, there was a three way tie for 1st place between Mersa, Julia and Beatrix.

Day 3 of racing was postponed until the afternoon, to allow a light sea breeze to fill. The conditions were by far the most complex of the week, with shifting winds and a turning tide it was a true tactical challenge. Nevertheless it was Julia and Beatrix that once again dominated the day, with Julia in particular showing good speed and pointing in the light airs. Anitra helmed by Paul Kelsey, sailed an excellent last race to achieve a 2nd place and mix the results up a little.

Unfortunately, day 4 was never looking very promising and was cancelled early; allowing the crews to pack away their boats in beautiful sunshine and then spend their time wisely over a long lunch or at the beach. A lively prize-giving and excellent supper rounded off the week in style.

The week met its objectives of providing a fun holiday with some sailing in the afternoon. Most boats brought a long a shore team of partners/relatives/friends who were able to go off and enjoy the many delights the region has to offer. It was also a chance to meet and catch up with members of other Divisions and strengthen the bonds of the XOD family.

Thanks must go to William and Lesley Norris for once again putting this event together, with superb race management by Tony O'Gorman and Annette Bennet (possibly the nicest and most efficient race officers you will ever meet). Thanks also to the Yacht Club Crouesty-Arzon and the hard working volunteers that helped both before and during the event. Finally thanks to the popular Monsiuer Jean who was ever present with his camera and produced an excellent album of photos for each crew to take home with them.

The next edition of the XOD French Nationals are scheduled to be held in 2015, and are thoroughly recommended. The journey across Brittany is very straightforward and the event is well worth the little extra effort that is needed to take your pride and joy "on tour" and sample a pure form of modern regatta racing.

Oh, almost forgot, the results! William Norris and his team on Beatrix were crowned the French National Champions, and beat a very competitive Julia into second place by a point.

Overall Results:

1. Beatrix, William Norris, 9pts
2. Julia, Stephen Whiteman, 10pts
3. Mersa, Karl Thorne, 14pts