29er Eurocup
You’ve just won the 29er EuroCup Finals in Riva del Garda — congratulations! What did that moment feel like when you realised you’d done it?
We told ourselves that hard work always pays off — we’ve given 100% since the very first training session, all for moments like this. It’s incredibly satisfying to see it pay off.
Looking back on your season, from the Worlds to the EuroCup circuit, what do you think made the difference for you this year?
For us, the EuroCup events are training regattas where we focus on identifying our strengths and weaknesses to be as prepared as possible for the World Championship, which is our main goal for the year.
You finished the Worlds as FRA 6 – an incredible result! What did that experience teach you, and how did it influence your performance later in the season?
Finishing as FRA 6 was a great result — it taught us to never give up and that every point counts. No one is perfect; the winner is simply the one who makes the fewest mistakes. That’s our philosophy. Whether we’re FRA 6 or FRA 3425, we’ll always give it our all until the end.
Was there a specific regatta or moment this season that really changed your mindset or boosted your confidence?
Winning the EuroCup in Roompot gave us a real boost of energy. Staying consistent, with only top-three finishes against very strong competitors, really built our confidence.
How did you two get into sailing? How long have you been sailing together, and how did you first decide to team up?
Alexandre: I started sailing 7 years ago in an Optimist. One day my father wanted to enroll me in sailing school to keep me busy. I loved it immediately, and then I wanted to compete. That’s when I started traveling around Europe to race, and that’s also where I met Raphaël.
Raphaël: I also started sailing at 8 years old in an Optimist because my parents were already very active in sailing. I didn’t really like it at first, but I learned to enjoy it. I started running into Alex at regattas, and we ended up sailing together.
It was in 2023, after our Optimist years, when we both wanted to move up to 29ers, that we got in touch. Choosing between the roles of helmsman and crew member was a pretty quick decision. Alexandre wanted to be the helm, and Raphaël wanted to be the crew, so we’re both in positions we enjoy. Despite the year difference between us—Raphael, 17, and Alexandre, 16—we wanted to sail together. And in September 2023, we joined the Pôle Espoir Voile La Baule
What’s the best thing about sailing together — and maybe the hardest?
Good communication is essential — within the crew, with the coach, and beyond. The hardest part is keeping a positive mindset on board during tough moments, knowing what to say or do to avoid getting stuck in a negative loop.
How do you deal with pressure or mistakes on the water?
We always debrief with our coach and make sure to support each other. Having an outside perspective is really valuable for us. When it comes to stress during racing, we’re always honest about how we feel — that openness is one of our biggest strengths.
What first attracted you to the 29er, and how was the transition from your previous class?
The 29er is such an exciting boat — it’s fast, technical, and teaches you so much if you aim to move up to the 49er. For young sailors who love double-handed sailing, it’s the perfect class: you need to communicate, stay agile, and keep your focus at all times.
How would you describe the 29er community in France — and in Europe?
When we started sailing 29ers, there were only 17 teams in France — now there are around 40. It’s great to see how much the class has grown, with more and more young sailors aiming high. Even on the European circuit, new faces arrive every year, and the level keeps getting stronger.
What are your goals for next season?
Our goal this year is to go to the Youth World Sailing Championships and to train hard all year to be at our best during the World Championships.
Do you already have plans or dreams for what comes after the 29er — maybe the 49er, Nacra, or even Olympic aspirations?
We want to continue in the 49er class to pursue an Olympic goal. Our shared dream is to be Olympic champions in the 49er.
How do you see yourselves growing as sailors and as a team in the next few years?
We’d love to make a living from our passion and help younger sailors progress in the sport
