Coupe de l’amitie (Friendship Cup), in Cannes…

Andy Beadsworth, Simon Fry & Arda Baykal win in Cannes.

The “Friendship Cup” hosted by the Yacht Club du Cannes took place over the weekend of 28th to 30th January in the most amazing winter conditions. With daily temperatures of 15 degrees, cloudless blue skies and wind ranging from 5 to 23kts, the 13 teams enjoyed an excellent 8 race regatta. The event was dominated by the current World Champions led by Andy Beadsworth, crewed by Simon Fry & Arda Baykal only this time sailing a beautiful Petticrows Cold Moulded Dragon “Fortitude” previously owned by Ted Fort OBE built in 2002.

Amazing surfing photos of “Fortitude” GBR 673 by Jehan Lerin.

On the opening day the fleet raced in an easterly wind of around 6kts and the first race was won by FRA 431 “Storich” helmed by Robert Lehmann, crewed by Olivier van Acker & Mike Cohen. They showed incredible speed, chose the correct way and led from start to finish, with the World Champions having to settle for 4th place. Races 2 & 3 were then won by Andy and his team of Simon Fry and Adar Baykal as they got used to “Fortitude” and ironed out the mistakes they made in race one.

FRA 431 “Storich” Robert Lehmann, Olivier van Acker & Mike Cohen win race 1.

Day 2 the wind blew from the southwest between 15 to 23kts, a complete contrast to the opening day and racing was held in the west bay, a most fantastic arena for sailing. With the added bonus of GPS marks, courses can be arranged quickly, adjusted and set, marvellous for us sailors 🙂

“Full On” conditions in the west bay of Cannes for Day 2 of Friendship Cup.

Although “Fortitude” dominated the day recording 1,1 & 2 they were pushed hard by GBR 585 “Full Speed” helmed by Martin Payne crewed by Chris Brittain & Gilly Hamilton who scored 2,2 & 3. Also sailing very well in the heavy breeze was FIN 97 helmed by Jouko Lindgren (who won Bronze Medal at the 1980 Olympics in 470) crewed by Tuomas Tenkanen & Kristian Sjoberg who recorded 3,3 & 1.

GBR 585 & FIN 97 pushed the overall leaders on Day 2 in Cannes.

On the final day the wind return to the east and barely reached more than 6kts… However, 2 more races were completed to fulfil an 8 race series. The first of these 2 races (race 7) was won again by FRA 431 “Storich” who found some extra wind near the island shore and rounded the top mark clear ahead, never to be caught. Andy Beadsworth and team finished 3rd so did not have to sail the final race, having already won the regatta, so returned to crane out. Race 8 was raced in similar conditions and this time it was DEN 378 helmed by Anders Jorgensen, crewed by Christian Bang & Niels von Ghiinatonik.

Light winds in final race, won by DEN 378 Anders Ditlev Jorgensen.

So the series was completed, 8 races over 3 days of classic conditions in Cannes. “Fortitude” won the event with GBR 585 “Full Speed” 2nd and FRA 431 “Storich” 3rd.

The Podium Teams at Prize Giving (FRA 431 missing) at Yacht Club Cannes.

This was an extremely well organised regatta with excellent Race Management led by PRO Phillip Enel. The GPS marks make such a difference and everyone that attends the re-arranged GRADE 1 Grand Prix March 2nd to 5th, will not be disappointed. Cannes is an excellent winter venue and our new IDA Chairman and President of the YCC hopes to have 50 boats attending.

So congratulations again to Andy, Stir-fry & Arda in “Fortitude”….  many thanks to Karine and all of Yacht Club Cannes and we all look forward to returning for our opening IDA Grade 1 of 2022 in March…2nd to 5th.

Higher, Faster, Longer……   Stavros. GBR 585 “Full Speed”.

Huge thanks to Jehan Lerin for the amazing photos… check out more on his website jehanphoto.com