For the second of the eleven stages that make up the third opus, the SailGP landed this weekend on Lake Michigan, in Chicago (United States) for spectacular regattas bringing together nine of the ten crews entered on the circuit, aboard catamaran qualified as "sea racing cars" (F50s) with their speeds approaching 100 km/h.

Among the competitors, Team France, led by Quentin Delapierre, has on board Aloïse Retornaz, bronze medalist at the 2020 Olympics and double European champion (2019 and 2021) in 470 with Camille Lecointre.

"It's super interesting. These are 'phew' boats so it's a great experience. And it's still mostly crewed sailing. Sailing with a whole team that's super experienced, that brings a lot to the Olympic project", underlines to AFP Retornaz, on his way to a new medal at the Paris Games in 2024 with Hippolyte Machetti in 470, a now mixed category.

The 28-year-old Brestoise, who has been evolving for eleven years in 470, seeks to improve her performance by rubbing shoulders with other universes.

There are not a plethora of possibilities, especially for women.

The SailGP made it one of its priorities during the 2nd season by imposing a quota.

Team France had therefore organized selections in Quiberon.

Four girls were selected, taking turns lining up on stages so as not to jeopardize their Olympic project.

Top of the basket

In each of the crews are big names in sailing, such as New Zealander Peter Burling, Olympic champion in 49er (2016) and double winner of the very prestigious America's Cup (2017 and 2021).

Or the Briton Sir Ben Ainslie, crowned four times at the Olympics (in laser and finn) and winner of the America's Cup in 2013, but also the American Jimmy Spithill, double winner of the America's Cup ( 2010, 2013).

"It's very high level. Opposite it's all the big names in sailing, from the Olympics to match racing, it's the top of the basket", notes Retornaz.

Team France, skippered by Quentin Delapierre, during a SailGP stage in San Francisco Bay, March 27, 2022 EZRA SHAW Getty/AFP/Archives

For the director of the French Olympic sailing team, who has always advocated "transversality, the SailGP - created in 2018, financed by the multiple billionaire and founder of Oracle Larry Ellison and endowed with a bonus of one million dollars to the winner - is "truly wealth, opportunity and something extra".

"The advantage of SailGP is that it's a big project and a paid project. We're not a professional sport. It's the thing that combines a bit of everything, the program is not extremely demanding in terms of timing," Philippe Mourniac told AFP, highlighting this opportunity for women.

"What's great is that these pro sailing circuits, generally monopolized by men, are open to women", welcomes Mourniac.

Gain in maturity

Amélie Riou also seized her chance.

With Paris 2024 in her sights in 49er FX (in duo with Lara Granier), she did not want to be caught up only in Olympism, "a fairly closed world".

"I didn't think I could get in there, there was an inaccessible side. When they opened the selections for a woman in the team, I thought it was a golden opportunity," Riou told AFP. .

"I really saw a bridge between that world and Olympism, through the people we meet. On the tactical aspect, decision-making, communicating with the crew in a concise way", defends the sailor who said to have gained "in maturity as an athlete and learned to take the bull by the horns".

In April 2021, Hélène Noesmoen discovered the circuit.

In August, the windsurfing specialist (IQFoil) was crowned world champion and then retained her European title in October.

© 2022 AFP