France SailGP team begins a new sporting cycle and announces Philippe Presti as its new team manager

by France SailGP Team 18 Dec 22:13 PST

After a 2025 season rich in lessons learned and steady progress, finishing in a solid 5th place, the French team is entering a new cycle with a clear goal: to transform the solid foundations they have built into even stronger results in an increasingly competitive and professional championship.

A commitment to sporting continuity

Amidst a particularly active transfer window in the SailGP championship, the French team has chosen to build on a stable sporting foundation that guarantees continuity and performance.

For the 2026 season, the following members will be returning:

• Quentin Delapierre, driver of the french F50
• Manon Audinet, strategist
• Jason Saunders, flight controller
• Timothé Lapauw, grinder
• Olivier Herlédant, grinder

At the same time, the team has changed its line-up following the configuration changes that were imposed on the F50s during season 5. The contracts of Kevin Peponnet (wing trimmer) and Matthieu Vandame (grinder) have not been renewed. Kevin Peponnet is joining the SailGP Germany team, illustrating the current dynamics of the talent market within the championship. The France SailGP Team would like to thank them for their unfailing commitment.

A structured transfer athletes focused on the future

Stephan Kandler, Co-CEO of SailGP France: "Today's transfer market rules bring sailing closer to professional sport as we know it in other disciplines. They allow us to invest in talent and create value for teams, but also for athletes, who can better promote their careers. We are one of the oldest teams on the championship and have long operated with a very stable group. Bruno Dubois and I felt it was necessary to bring in new blood, not because of a lack of talent, but to continue to progress.

This involves integrating young profiles such as Enzo, a pure product of the K-Challenge Akademy, the return of experienced talents such as Leigh McMillan, the arrival of new athletes such as Bruno Mourniac, and also the internal promotion of long-standing profiles, such as Timothé Lapauw, who aspired to a broader role in the team."

New recruits to strengthen the French project and a strong commitment to youth and inclusion

Leigh McMillan - Wing trimmer

Having previously been on board the French F50, Leigh McMillan is returning to the French SailGP Team. His Olympic and multihull experience, combined with a solid track record at the highest level, notably in the SailGP championship (most recently with the Brazilian team) and in several America's Cup campaigns, most recently with INEOS Britannia, positions him as a key and reliable member of the French sporting project.

Renowned for his rigour, consistency and ability to perform under pressure, Leigh McMillan brings valuable technical continuity to a key position at the heart of the F50's performance.

Bruno Mourniac - Grinder & trimmer

A well-rounded and experienced athlete, 2018 SB20 world champion, two-time winner of the Tour de France à la Voile, and competitor in the TF35 and GC32 championships, Bruno Mourniac joins the team as a grinder, while also contributing his skills as a headsail trimmer.

His arrival strengthens the versatility and power of the French team.

Enzo Balanger - Reserve athlete / young talent

A symbol of the team's development strategy, Enzo Balanger joins the French SailGP Team as a reserve athlete for the 2026 season. A graduate of the K-Challenge Akademy, Enzo has already made a name for himself at the highest international level and again in 2025, becoming the first French Moth World Champion on foils and winning the European Championship title with the ETF26 'All Accor - L'Oréal'.

He will strengthen the team during additional daytime training sessions, with the aim of sailing aboard the F50 in several positions, gaining experience in SailGP and gradually rising through the ranks of the French team.

Amélie Riou - reserve strategist

A well-known figure in the France SailGP project, Amélie Riou is returning to the French SailGP Team as reserve strategist for the 2026 season. The French athlete has a solid background in Olympic sailing, with recognised performances in windsurfing and dinghy sailing.

Already a member of the French team competing in the Women's America's Cup managed by K-Challenge and also present in previous seasons in the SailGP championship, she returns with a detailed knowledge of this ultra-competitive environment and the workings of the F50, valuable assets to support the team.

Amélie will sail aboard the French boat during additional training days, actively contributing to the transfer of knowledge, the development of young talent and the team's performance dynamics.

New leadership to support this cycle

This is the major announcement of the off-season. The French SailGP Team has recruited Philippe Presti, one of the most respected and successful French coaches in the history of international sailing, as Team Manager: "Having been involved in the SailGP circuit since its inception, I have always recognised the strong potential and solidity of the French Team. I am delighted to be joining this adventure: the future will be written together," explains Philippe Presti.

Winner of the America's Cup and multiple SailGP champion, Philippe Presti is renowned for his strategic vision, his high performance standards and his ability to build winning teams over the long term. His arrival marks a key step in the professionalisation and evolution of the French project.

Bruno Dubois, CEO K-Challenge / SailGP France: "In an increasingly competitive championship, it was essential to breathe new life into the project, not only on the water, but also in management. The recruitment of Philippe Presti allows us to start a new cycle, with a clear vision and even higher standards."

An unwavering ambition Quentin Delapierre, French SailGP Team driver

"The arrival of Philippe Presti is a huge asset for the team. He brings a wealth of exceptional experience. Today's transfer market requires us to be persuasive and to share our vision and ambitions. For 2026, my goal remains unchanged: to win. Being in the top 5 means being on the verge of the grand final. We must continue to believe in ourselves and remain driven by this winning culture."

Heading to Perth to kick off the 2026 season

With a stronger team, a new management team and a strong commitment to youth, diversity and knowledge transfer, the French SailGP Team is approaching the 2026 season with confidence and ambition.

See you on 17 and 18 January in Perth for the first challenge of a new cycle focused on performance.