However, everything had not started well. During the training on Friday, the team had to face a serious damage independent of their will with the loss of saffron, while Quentin Delapierre, the pilot, was forced to go to the hospital following the violence of the shock. The uncertainty then placed on the participation of the French in the rest of the competition. However, the team worked tirelessly to make boat and athletes ready to start races on Saturday.
From the first day of racing on Saturday, despite very muscular conditions, which the Quentin Delapierre pilot particularly affects, the French team demonstrated all its mastery. For the first time, the Blues were sailing with the 18-meter wing configuration and T-Foil, a challenge taken up with brilliance since they were already ending the day in the Top 3, thanks to inspired choices and decisive maneuvers.
A symbolic victory
Carried by an exceptional collective energy, the French ran 3 races this Sunday for the second day of racing. The wind conditions were very unstable with F50 which took off and arose in turn. But thanks to brilliant tactical shots and by making assumed choices in front of their opponents, the Blues qualify for the final of the Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz. They then produced a controlled and offensive race, winning against the Australian and British giants. This performance signs their third final of the season and their first victory in the Sailgp Grand Prix in this 2025 season.
“Winning a Sail Grand Prix is an incredible feeling. It was the roller coaster for us this weekend. After our technical problems which were not our fact and the uncertainty of Friday, we started with frustration. But we did a great comeback and we did not let go. On Saturday we had a nice day on average, rather in the right shots. Today the wind was much more irregular than yesterday with many opportunities to take. On the three fleet races we made a first and a third good round. As for the second, we were a little scared by missing good shots with wind rotations. On the other hand, during the final, I felt an energy of Gallic conquerors, we were really determined. We knew how to grasp the chances by sailing in symbiosis with the wind. When it happens like that, the sail is incredible, you are less away than the others and it goes fast! It was one of the most beautiful Grand Prix of the season that ended in the most beautiful way. This performance would not have been possible without the hard work of the whole French team SAILGP (athletes and technical team) which fought tirelessly to be at the start on Saturday. It is a team victory and we will all savor, “said Quentin Delapierre, pilot of the French team Sailgp.
“This victory is the fruit of a big job of the whole team that has gone through a lot of difficulties since the start of the season. We knew we could do it and we had confidence but it is obviously a huge satisfaction when it materializes. We thank our partners for having believed in us for a few years. This first step towards the great final was key and we did it. Bravo to all. Co-CEO of the French team Sailgp and K-Challenge.
Sassnitz also enters into the history of the championship: this Grand Prix has seen a new speed record fall for the F50, with a point recorded at 103.93 km/h on the water to put the credit of the Danish team.
With this success in Sassnitz, the French team SAILGP confirms its status as a formidable opponent on the World Championship. This beautiful victory also represents a very strong signal within a month of the French event in Saint-Tropez on September 12 and 13. A major meeting for the team and for all supporters at home.
