The title of "Sailor of the Year" of the French Sailing Federation, will be awarded on Saturday, December 8 at the Nautic of Paris. The FFV publishes the names of the eight nominees, including two winners of the 2018 Route du Rhum: Francis Joyon (Ultimate) and Paul Meilhat (SMA). The public can also vote online.

The year 2018 was marked by magnificent French performances both in Olympic events and in offshore races or coastal regattas. In France or abroad, French sailors have been able to wear the colors of the French flag and have actively participated in making sailing known to a wide audience.

It is besides this public which will vote for its sailor of the year from 12h and until December 6 midnight via this link:. The public vote counts for 2 votes in the final jury of Marin of the Year.

At 18h on the facebook page of the FFVoile, Michel Desjoyeaux, the only triple winner of the trophy, will present the 8 sailors named for this year in an offbeat video!

The jury, consisting of a president, five journalists, five representatives of sports institutions, five athletes, and two votes of the public will designate the sailor of the year.

Saturday, December 8 at the Nautic of Paris, will be revealed the successors of Thomas Coville, sailor of the year 2017 and Hippolyte Machetti & Sidoine Dantès, top prospects 2017.

The nominees for the Marin of the Year are:

  • Antoine Albeau - PWA World Champion (Slalom) + 3rd PWA World Championship (Foil)
  • Charles Caudrelier and his crew - Winner of the Volvo Ocean Race
  • Delphine Cousin - PWA World Champion
  • François Gabart - Record around the world end of 2017
  • Francis Joyon - Winner of the Route du Rhum in Ultimate
  • Paul Meilhat - Winner of the Route du Rhum in IMOCA
  • Nicolas Parlier - Kitefoil World Champion
  • Kevin Peponnet - Jérémie Mion - World Champions 470

The nominees for Best Hope of the Year are:

  • Paola Amar (SR Antibes) & Marine Riou (EV Trebeurden): 3rd at the 470 Youth World Championship, 3rd at the 470 European Youth Championship
  • Damien Arnoux (Hyeres Windsurf Organization): Young Slalom World Champion, Young Slalom European Champion
  • Jamaïne Carlotti (WS Guadeloupe): Young World Slalom Champion
  • Violette Dorange & Camille Orion (SR Rochelaises): 3rd at the Youth World Championships in 420, 3rd medal in a row at the YWS
  • Amélie Grassi (SN Trinity on Sea): French Vice-Champion of Solo Offshore Racing in the Series category
  • Gautier Guevel (CVAN Nantes) & Théo Révil (CNBPP): Youth World Champions in 29er at the YWS 2017, European Champions of 29er, Champions of France Hopes of 29er
  • Hippolyte Machetti & Sidoine Dantès (SR Antibes): World Youth Champions of 470, 4th at the Elite European Championship of 470
  • Angel Margaron (SRC): 5th at the ParaVoile World Championship in Hansa 303 and 4th at the European Championship
  • Bruno Mourniac (SR Antibes): SB20 World Champion, Winner of TourVoile, winner of Spi Ouest-France in Diam24
  • Poema Newland (KSL): Vice Olympic Young Champion in Kiteboarding TT: R, French Champion in Kite TTR, 2nd at the Kite TTR Open World Championship
  • Titouan Pétard (CN Arradon) & Kenza Coutard (CV Saint Aubin Elbeuf): Vice Olympic Champions Youth in Nacra 15
  • Manon Pianazza (CN Angoulins): Young Olympic Vice-Champion in BIC Techno Plus, Vice-World Champion in BIC TechnoPlus, European Vice-Champion in BIC 293 7.8, Vice-Champion of France in BIC 293
  • Fabien Pianazza (CN Angoulins): Young World Champion RS: X, 3rd at the Youth World Sailing Youth World Championship in RS: X
  • Aurélien Pierroz (SR Havre): European Champion Youth Match-Racing