Akademy - A European Championship title for the Blue team and remarkable technical progress for the White team.
The fourth and penultimate event of the ETF26 season was the first ever European Championship in the series, held from August 27 to 30. The title was won by the K-Challenge Blue “All Accor - L'Oréal” crew led by Enzo Balanger, with Jason Saunders and Timothé Lapauw also on board. The first ever!
A remarkable result for a project that began just a few months ago and is already demonstrating its effectiveness, determination, and team spirit.
On the women's side, the K-Challenge academics worked hard to improve their technical skills and sail in close contact. Mission accomplished, with a lot of new techniques learned.
These performances illustrate the strength of the team: two crews united, working hand in hand to strive together for excellence.
It was in Riva del Garda, a legendary sailing spot for many sailors, that the ETF26 fleet gathered on Sunday for three days of training before the competition began on Wednesday. Conditions over the four days of the championship proved to be particularly unstable and stormy, complicating the task for the competitors. The two Akademy crews battled it out with their direct competitors at their respective levels.
“It was a great battle against Entreprises du Morbihan! Everything was decided in the last race! As usual, I would say,” explained Enzo Balanger, skipper and helmsman of the K-Challenge Blue - All Accor-L'Oréal crew. "We are super happy with this European Championship title. It was my first Grand Prix with the team and, what's more, as helmsman. Jason and Tim welcomed me very warmly. We had three days to get to grips with our ETF. From that point of view, it was perfect. Then, during the regattas, the conditions were not easy: a lot of instability and storms! There were 17 races over four days. The race committee tried to optimize every day so that we could sail. We managed to stay focused and strong. We ended up winning! It feels great!“
For Lou Mourniac, skipper and flight controller aboard K-Challenge white ”All Accor-L'Oréal:” With Camille, Aloïse, and Manon, we fought until the last race to scrape together points. We achieved some great things. We managed to compete with the top five in the fleet. Tactically, we made progress with these flying boats in the superb environment of Lake Garda. We remain focused for the last event of the season in October! “
The next and final Grand Prix of the season will take place on October 15 in Murcia, Spain. For the teams competing, it will be a revolution, a new challenge, as everyone will be sporting new foils! ”They will allow us to fly upwind and downwind! It's going to be great! We can't wait," concluded Lou Mourniac.
Final Rankings – ETF26 EUROSAF European Championship:
1.K-Challenge Blue / All Accor L’Oréal (FRA) – 35 pts
2.Entreprises du Morbihan (FRA) – 44 pts
3.Blueshift Sailing Team (BEL-FRA) – 49 pts
4. Toroa Racing Team (GBR) – 67 pts
5. Geronimo Sailing Team (ITA) – 68 pts
6. Sansin Sailing Team (CAN) – 75 pts
7. K-Challenge White / All Accor L'Oréal (FRA) – 91 pts
K-Challenge White crew
Aloise Retornaz (mainsail trimmer)
Camille Lecointre (helmswoman)
Lou Mourniac (flight control)
Manon Peyre (No. 1)
K-Challenge Blue crew*
Enzo Balanger (skipper - helmsman)
Jason Saunders (mainsail trimmer)
Timothé Lapauw (No. 1)
Next stage of the ETF26 SERIES 2025 championship:
Mar Menor Grand Prix (Spain): October 15–18
Provisional podium - 2025 season
K-Challenge Blue (FRA) – 7 pts
Entreprises du Morbihan (FRA) – 7 pts
Blueshift Sailing Team (FRA) – 10 pts