 They sailed in Brest and in Korea at the same time this past weekend, May 10th. Separated by a distance of 10,000 km, the European and Asiatic Longtze Premier sportboat teams were given exact opposite sailing conditions. One team was in oil-slick waters, light winds, and rain, the others in 30 knots of wind and sunshine. In all, 7 boats were on the water. It was an outstanding season kickoff !
For the first group, there was sailing in Brest, France at the Naval School Grand Prix, the largest gathering of SportBoats in Europe, with more than 130 boats. 4 Longtze Premier teams were on the starting line, with four boats which stood out in the crowd, in their first sail on European waters. “We sailed in front of the Melges 24s and amidst a pack of Open 7.50s. We are very satisfied. The boat is fast, accelerates in the slightest breeze, lively and very easy to handle. I’ve never had so much fun sailing!” explained Xavier de Lesquen, who raced on Luc Gellusseau's boat, 2nd behind the grey LONGTZE Premier steered by Sébastien Audigane. Overall, 7 regattas in light weather, light to medium wind, and hazy Brittany sunshine replacing the previous days of rain ... On the other side of the planet, on the South Korean coast, three Asiatic teams led by Pierre Mas headed for the Yisushin Cup. The regatta assembled 80 boats coming principally from Japan, Russia and Korea. On the sailing program were magnificent landscape backdrops and strong conditions. “We had between 25 and 30 knots of wind all weekend … we were launched like a speeding bullet on the downwind legs in the heavy breeze." Long drawn out surfing was the norm! "It is a sublime place, something between Sweden, Norway and Brittany.It is an ideal place to go sailing and there is enormous potential for sailing in Korea," explained Pierre Mas on his arrival back in Qingdao.
Meanwhile in China, the boat building team is continuing the actual production rate of 5 boats a month. The next boat delivery destinations are slated for Switzerland and Hong Kong. Fdb/Lh   
|
