From February 18 to 22, 2026, the Stade Nautique Florence Arthaud in Marseille hosted the revival of the French Elite Olympic Sailing Championship. For the first time in almost twenty years, all of the Olympic series found themselves on the same body of water, offering a complete picture of the French elite at the start of the new Olympics. With 121 athletes entered, the event served as both a national championship and a true launch of the international season.
Beyond winning titles, this edition was designed as a major squad review. All generations were brought together: established figures of the French team, young talents seeking confirmation and new duos resulting from post-Paris 2024 recompositions. The performance units (weather, engineering, mental preparation, dietetics) were able to work in real conditions, in a competitive framework.
The weather conditions also set the tone. A sustained mistral swept across the harbor as soon as it opened. Only iQFOiL windsurfers were able to set off on the first day, before gusts exceeding 40 knots led to the cancellation of races for the entire series. The races finally resumed on Saturday in a still strong wind, before a final day of finals contested in a completely different register, with a very light regime. An alternation which tested the crews’ ability to adapt.
Franck Citeau, performance manager of the French team, praised the sporting richness of the week: “ Having strong wind then light weather in the same championship is precious. This requires you to move on, adjust settings and stay lucid. Hierarchies have sometimes been shaken up, and that is healthy. Internal competition is strong and constructive. We are in the midst of building the 2028 project, with the clear ambition of integrating the world’s top 3 into the Games. »
IQFOiL: intensity and density
In foil windsurfing, Hélène Noesmoen (SN Sablais) won among the women ahead of Manon Pianazza and Marion Couturier. The champion underlines the interest of tough conditions: “ Sailing in strong wind encourages commitment and allows you to progress technically. Direct confrontations are formative. »
Among the men, Nicolas Goyard won a second national title ahead of Tom Arnoux and Louis Pignolet. He highlights the density of the France group: “ We are constantly pulling ourselves up. This emulation is a major international asset. »
Formula Kite: confrontation and versatility
In kitefoil, Lauriane Nolot confirms her status by winning the women’s title ahead of Lysa Caval. She remembers a demanding week, marked by a technical stretch of water and a well-established mistral: “ It was challenging, but revealing the points to work on. Sailing with the boys is also very stimulating. »
Among the men, Nell De Jaham won against Matheo Coguiec and Louis Garino. Double French champion, he sees this championship as a key step towards his Olympic goal: “ The entire season is now geared towards major international events. »
ILCA: logic and regularity
In solo dinghy, Alexandre Kowalski retains his ILCA 7 title ahead of Théo Peyre and his brother Martin Kowalski. The podium reflects, according to him, the winter commitment of the trio. In ILCA 6, Louise Cervera won a fourth consecutive coronation. She was able to cope with a busy week, alternating physical days and a light wind finale. “ The variety of conditions makes the title even more meaningful. » she confides.
49er, 49er FX and 470: new dynamics
In 49er, Erwan Ficher and Clément Péquin take the upper hand in a championship marked by few validated rounds. The podium, made up of crews from the same training group, illustrates the collective dynamic.
In 49er FX, Manon Peyre and Amélie Riou won at home. Despite the wind-related cancellations, they were able to seize their chance in challenging conditions. Their objective is now clear: to gain strength before the World Cup in May.
In the mixed 470, Matisse Pacaud and Lucie de Gennes confirmed their consistency by winning the title ahead of Manon Pennaeac’h/Pierre Williot and Sarah Jannin/Iban Cornic. The champions were able to perform in opposing conditions, a guarantee of versatility.
Nacra 17: control and cohesion
In the foil catamaran, Tim Mourniac and Aloïse Retornaz dominate the Nacra 17 series by winning the three races contested. The champion underlines the importance of winter work, particularly on starts, and the satisfaction of winning a national title in a demanding context.
Beyond the podiums, this first Marseille edition of the French Elite Championship sends a strong signal: French Olympic sailing is approaching the new Olympiad with depth and ambition. The diversity of conditions encountered and the density of the plateau offered a complete field of expression to the athletes.
Marseille, with its recent Olympic heritage, has established itself as a nerve center for French performance. A few weeks before the first major international regattas, the course is set: consolidate the collective dynamic and transform this internal competition into a lever for global success.