Two-time Saint Lucian Olympic sailor Luc Chevrier performed creditably at the 57th Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères over the weekend, making the finals of the ILCA 7 class from over 100 entries. In total, 705 sailors from 59 territories competed in 10 classes during the week of racing in the Mediterranean Sea.
The second event of the Sailing Grand Slam series featured 136 athletes in the ILCA 7 category with perfect weather each day in the Bay of Hyeres. Chevrier, who turns 27 in June, finished 35th overall, competing in the Gold Fleet for the second consecutive Grand Slam event after placing 30th in Palma De Mallorca, Spain.
“Back-to-back final finishes for the first two Grand Slam events of the season. So, a very good start to the season,” said Chevrier. “We have been quite consistent for the start of the season with top-tier finishes, fighting against the best.
“In two weeks, it will be the European Championships, the next major competition, held in Split, Croatia.”
“From our shores to international waters. Luc is making waves at Olympic Week in Hyères, and we couldn’t be prouder! He’s an inspiration to young sailors across Saint Lucia and the Caribbean – proof that big dreams start right here at home,” read a statement from the Saint Lucia Yacht Club.
Australia’s double Olympic champion, Matt Wearn, won gold. Behind him, British sailors Michael Beckett and Elliot Hanson battled for silver. After taking over a year off following his Paris 2024 Olympic win, Wearn has now won both his comeback events and both Sailing Grand Slams, Palma and Hyères, within a month.
“For the athletes, it was a great week. The weather was perfect, and they were able to race for all six days,” said Ed Russo, SOF Event Director. “It was truly a fantastic edition. Two years before the Games, this 57th SOF is important because we are in a period of selection for the format of finals they will have for the Olympic Games.”
