Several teams from the SailGP circuit chose the ENVSN site in Quiberon for training sessions last week (April 28 – May 2), utilizing ETF26 foiling catamarans. Following the cancellation of the Rio Grand Prix, the boats were assembled at Quiberon, allowing the French, Danish (Rockwool), and Italian (RedBull) teams to swiftly organize this training camp.
In total, six boats—two per team—completed four intensive days of starting procedures and tactical maneuvers, coordinated by Philippe Presti, the French coach of the Italian team. Among the skippers piloting these impressive “Formula 1 of the seas” were Quentin Delapierre and Camille Lecointre representing France, Nicolai Sehested and Tom Johnson for Denmark, and Ruggero Tita alongside Kyle Langford for Italy.
Pierre Picot, Director of ETF26, noted: “This is the first time multiple SailGP teams have organized such an intensive training session using ETF26 boats. It clearly highlights their interest in this platform as a way to refine foil handling, improve onboard communication, and repeatedly practice tactical situations. It’s a significant advantage in preparing for the SailGP circuit. The Danish Rockwool team joined the ETF26 circuit last year, the French followed this year, and we hope the Italians will also find enthusiasm for joining future ETF26 SERIES events.”
For the RedBull Italian SailGP team, this week provided an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with this platform. Andrea Tesei, flight controller for the team, explained: “It’s fantastic to sail on a boat very similar to what we usually handle—it’s been really enjoyable. It was our first day on this boat, so there was plenty to learn and understand, but conditions were ideal for competing with our SailGP colleagues.”
Ruggero Tita, the Italian team’s driver, emphasized the similarity in race formats: “The racing format closely resembles what we typically experience in SailGP, so it’s great to be here practicing our reaching starts!”
Camille Lecointre, from the French team, particularly enjoyed training alongside other high-level crews: “We chose to enter the circuit with a women’s or mixed team and already participated in the first Grand Prix in April. We’re continuously gaining experience on these foiling boats and seeking effective training opportunities! This week is fantastic because we have other SailGP crews here, creating a competitive environment with six boats of exceptional standard on the water.”
This intensive ETF26 training session marks a significant milestone for these teams as they prepare for upcoming SailGP events, underscoring the growing interest in ETF26 catamarans as both a training platform and high-level competitive racing class.
Next ETF26 event: Grand Prix de l’Ecole Navale, May 28-31.
