Class40 Trophies: Ivica Kostelic wins in the Med, Nicolas d'Estais triumphs in the English Channel

by Class40 17 Oct 2023 12:11 PDT

Nicolas d'Estais triumphs in the English Channel -Atlantic area! © 23stormborn / Pierrick Contin

The Class40 Trophies are designed to reward performance and participation. Two winners of this year’s contest are Ivica Kostelic (ACI) in the Mediterranean and Nicolas d’Estais (Café Joyeux) in the English Channel – Atlantic area.

The Mediterranean Sea - a new playground

The wealth of races in the Class40 calendar allows its members to build their own race programme. Having spent the 2022 season in the Atlantic in preparation for his first Route du Rhum, the Croatian sailor "decided to stay closer to home, in familiar waters" this year, in territory that is perhaps a little more favourable for making an impact at the front of the fleet on his Mach40.2.

Ivica Kostelic takes the title in the Mediterranean - photo © 23stormborn / Pierrick Contin

"I thoroughly enjoy sailing in the Mediterranean. The natural beauty, the highly varied conditions which are more advantageous for the older generation boats which make up the bulk of the fleet for this trophy, and the tight racing make this competition very interesting." It's true that the difference in performance between different generations of boats is less marked in the Mediterranean conditions. "In light airs, for example, first and second generation boats perform just as well, if not better, than newer boats! In an average offshore race in the Mediterranean, everyone will experience optimal conditions for their boat for at least a part of the race."

And while the number of participants and top-tier teams is lower than in the other race areas, the level of competition on the water really is very high: "In terms of ability, the level is up there. Competitors have to be good all-rounders to master the varied conditions. The local sailors generally know how to use the local effects to their advantage, and it is hard to beat old seadogs like Kito de Pavant, for example."

Our ski champion adds: "We are a close-knit group of Class40s in the Med; it's nice to have this unity."

Class40 is proud to crown such a champion, a true idol in his home country, who has demonstrated what an outstanding athlete he is through his multiple skiing medals.

Nicolas d'Estais triumphs in the English Channel -Atlantic area! - photo © 23stormborn / Pierrick Contin

The English Channel - Atlantic area - a high-octane playground

"We spend a lot of time preparing our boats, but being out on the water as much as possible is important for me. The race calendar is very well put together, and so it was obvious that we should be on the start line of as many races as possible when these are not far from home. I need to accrue as much experience as possible", Nicolas d'Estais explains.

"I was disappointed not to finish the CIC Normandy Channel Race, but we were lucky that it didn't penalise us for this Trophy. It was a real pleasure to race in the Atlantic, but also in the English Channel, which I don't know as well. It is a varied and challenging playground, with its tidal currents and significant local effects. We learn a lot by sailing there."

Nicolas d'Estais is all the more delighted with this victory as the level of competition was high, fighting it out against "the Figaro sailors who have been racing there for the past 10 years, and know it off by heart." He adds: "The level is just unbelievable. As a former Mini sailor, being up against Figaro sailors such as Xavier Macaire, Alexis Loison, Pierre Leboucher and Achille Nebout is simply an honour!"

His boat, a Lift V2, is equally part of this victory: "My boat is very fast. Corentin Douguet, its former owner, handed it over to us in perfect condition, which meant that we were immediately able to get on with learning how to sail it rather than spending time working on it. We have posted consistent results. The boat is super, a good all-rounder, which means that despite the variety of conditions we encounter, the boat is always up to it."

And lastly, the fact that Nicolas d'Estais races in the colours of Café Joyeux adds a special flavour to this victory, given the values promoted by these establishments.

Next up is the Transat Jacques Vabre Normandie Le Havre, in which Nicolas will race with Léo Debiesse, with whom he shares this Trophy. "We make a good team, it works well, we work well together."

Ivica Kostelic (ACI) - photo © 23stormborn / Pierrick Contin

While the 2023 Class40 Champion will not be revealed until the end of the upcoming Transat Jacques Vabre, Class40 is pleased to crown the winners of the Mediterranean and European Trophies as of now. The former goes to Ivica Kostelic on his Mach ACI, the latter to Nicolas d'Estais, and his co-skipper Léo Debiesse.

These two champions will be honoured along with others at the 2023 Trophy prize-giving party, which will also celebrate the 20th anniversary of the founding of the Class, on the 30th March at a secret location in Lorient. Details will be provided in due course... Watch this space!

Mediterranean Trophy