2003: THE REBIRTH OF THE COUPE DE FRANCE
The Yacht Club of France, in association with the French Sailing Federation (FFV) and the Melges 24 Class, are pleased to announce the revival of the COUPE DE FRANCE. The Cup was raced for the first time in Brest in 1891 and for the last time last time in Bénodet in 1992.
Under the new rules of the COUPE DE FRANCE, The Cup will be won by a team which includes a MUMM 3O, a MELGES 24 and a DRAGON. These three one-design classes have gathered the highest number of champions within the international yachting world. With the participation of the three most active one-design classes, this race should become a genuine world team championship.
The 2003 edition will be held in Saint-Tropez on 29-30 March. The time and location were carefully chosen. It will take place shortly after the two first pre-season regattas for the Mumm and Melges classes: the Primo Cup in Monaco and 15 days prior to the Easter races: the SNIM (Melges) , the Spi Ouest-France (Mumm) and the Palma (Dragon).These dates fit well within the busy schedule of these three classes. The location of the race in Saint-Tropez should attract many foreign crews as it remains the most prestigious place of the French Riviera.
With the help of the French Sailing Federation, the Mumm 30, Melges 24 and Dragon classes, the Yacht club of France will orchestrate an exciting rebirth to the COUPE DE FRANCE and in accordance with it's glorious past.
For further information about the history of the event and how the 20 teams will be selected for 2003 please contact:
Yacht Club de France
M. Philippe Destremeau
tel: 33 (1) 47 04 10 00
FFV / Melges 24