©Antoine Dujoncquoy
Last weekend the ENVSN (the French National Sail and Water Sports Centre) in Quiberon, Brittany, hosted the 6th edition of the “Foils Journées”. An event that brings together competitors, manufacturers, distributors… from every field, anyone who has anything to do with foils. This year TAHE, in conjunction with the ENVSN, organised a Techno Windfoil 130 Challenge, along with test sessions on the water with Wingfoils and Windfoils.
«The aim of the weekend was to allow as many people as possible to discover and test the fun of foiling. It was a big success. » Eric Flageul, event organiser.
Techno Windfoil Challenge 130
In true TAHE style, the Techno Windfoil Challenge 130 was aimed at getting as many young riders as possible involved, and was organised in collaboration with the Yacht Club de Carnac. For 2 days, a group of young windsurfers aged 11 – 14 from Brittany and the Loire estuary areas were able to discover the great sensations of windfoil riding, thanks to the TWF 130.
On Saturday conditions were perfect for learning to ride foils with a wind of 10 – 12 knots and a clean, flat water surface. Divided into 2 groups, the 24 competitors were able to enjoy some great racing, with 3 completed rounds for everyone. It was a different story next day, with the wind strengthening to 15 – 20 knots and the sea much more roughed-up. This didn’t seem to be a problem for the young foilers who were as motivated and capable as the previous day. The TWF 130 once again proved itself to be a rig perfectly adapted to this type of regatta. All the riders were able to learn and progress quickly. There were big smiles everywhere at the end of the weekend.
« It was incredible, really good fun. It’s a mad feeling, even in the strong winds it was really cool! It’s a really easy combo to ride. Big thanks to TAHE for lending us the boards, especially as they were brand new and top performance.» was the verdict of the group from the CNBPP.
Round tables and meetings with professionals
Running parallel with the competitions and demonstrations on the water, TAHE was also present at the round table sessions. Up for debate: the role of manufacturers and riders in maximising the life expectancy for sailing equipment, and the future for foils. Two subjects very important to TAHE, as a major player in the board sports market.
« They were very useful discussions, they allow us to bring all the main players together, to continue planning, constructing and progressing in a coordinated way.» explained Eric Flageul.
Inauguration of the Champions Hall of Fame
Running parallel with the competitions and demonstrations on the water, TAHE was also present at the round table sessions. Up for debate: the role of manufacturers and riders in maximising the life expectancy for sailing equipment, and the future for foils. Two subjects very important to TAHE, as a major player in the board sports market.
« They were very useful discussions, they allow us to bring all the main players together, to continue planning, constructing and progressing in a coordinated way.» explained Eric Flageul.
On Friday evening at 6.00pm there was an event to inaugurate the Champions Hall of Fame. Numerous past and present Olympic and Paralympic champions were there. A symbolic occasion that also included members of the French team that won the “Best overall nation” title at the last Youth World Sailing Championships in Oman. « It was like a torch-passing ceremony from the medal winners who have helped write the history of French sailing to the future generations, who we very much hope will have left the evening fully inspired to come back as future Hall of Fame Champions. »
Exactly the kind of inter-generational passing on of skills and passion that is so dear to everything TAHE stands for.
