FRENCH OPEN NATIONALS DOMINATED BY THE BRITS

St-Quay Portrieux in northern Britanny played host to the 2002 French Open Nationals this weekend. With 47 entries from France, England, Italy, Belgium and Monaco and a real mix of conditions it was a great event. Although one day was lost due to lack of wind the regatta finished in fantastic style with a huge day's racing in really strong winds to send the crews home exhausted but with huge grins on all their faces.

A total of seven Brtitish crews made the trip to France and they were well rewarded for their efforts. Jamie Lea, helming for owner Richard Thompson, and their "Black Seal" team dominated the regatta to take the overall title. Hard on their heels were fellow Brits Stuart Rix and owner Quentin Strauss aboard "Gill" who were very happy with their second overall. Third overall was taken by Italian Andrea Racchelli sailing "Altea".

First French crew and winners of the French National Championship title were the "SRR & Region Ile De France" team helmed by Laurent Pages who took fourth overall.

The French national ranking, the Challenge Herbelin, is again being led by Britain's Jamie Lea (Black Seal GBR) ahead of Jean-françois Cruette (Scutum FRA) and Olivier Ponthieu (Groupe Lucien Barrière FRA)