Quentin Delapierre led his crew onto the water aboard the AC40 for the first time as a unit today, a significant milestone in La Roche-Posay Racing Team's build-up to the 38th America's Cup, with the opening regatta scheduled for late May in Cagliari.
Lorient delivered near-perfect conditions for the occasion. The sky was clear from horizon to horizon, a steady easterly of around 15 knots filled the sails throughout, and the team stayed out for close to four and a half hours before returning to the dock as the sun went down at around 7:30 pm.
Sport Director Philippe Presti captured the mood of the session. "Conditions in Brittany were exceptional today — bright sunshine, cloudless skies, almost summer-like warmth, and a perfect easterly breeze. Simply stunning. We came back in at sunset around 7:30 pm after nearly four and a half hours on the water. The day was structured around crew rotations, giving everyone the chance to experience the AC40. The newcomers got their first feel, while the more experienced sailors shared their insights and key learnings. An excellent first day. We're hoping to build on this momentum tomorrow, with similar conditions forecast, before a short break this weekend and then a 15-day training block."
Crew rotations shaped the structure of the day, ensuring every sailor in the squad spent meaningful time on board the AC40. Those stepping onto the boat for the first time took away their initial impressions, while sailors who had already accumulated time in the boat contributed what they had learned. The sole absentee was Florian Trittel, who had been unwell and was unable to sail.
Back at the dock, the mood required no explanation. Wide grins and an obvious eagerness to get back out on the water gave a clear enough picture of how the day had unfolded.
Training continues tomorrow, with a similar forecast expected to hold, before a short break over the weekend gives way to a 15-day block of on-water preparation.
The AC40 crew for La Roche-Posay Racing Team comprises Quentin Delapierre, Diego Botín, Enzo Balanger, Jason Saunders, Amélie Grassi, Timothé Lapauw, and Bruno Mourniac. Philippe Presti serves as Sport Director, Philippe Mourniac as Coach, and Antoine Rucard as Boat Captain.
