Jordi Xammar and Nina Cardona claimed the 470 title at French Olympic Week, converting a nine-point overnight lead into a controlled victory that showed how far they have come as a partnership.
The Spanish pair went into the final day with a clear target. "We knew we had a nine-point lead and focused on managing it, staying close to the British team, which was our main objective. It was a different kind of day, not about going out to win, but about being smart and controlling the situation, which isn't easy," said Xammar, bronze medallist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Xammar was candid about what the week meant for their development. "This week we took the step forward we knew we were capable of. We hadn't felt completely comfortable before, but here we managed to fine-tune everything. When we're performing well, we feel very strong compared to the fleet." He noted they have only been sailing together for just over a year, and that the next two months would be key in building further.
Cardona, named World Sailing's Youth Sailor of the Year, pointed to their improved comfort across varied conditions. "We experienced very varied conditions this week and felt more comfortable than in Mallorca and at the European Championship," she said. "It's a positive result, but now the focus shifts to the World Championship in Japan this August, where we aim to fight for the win."
Second place went to Britain's Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris, the reigning European champions who also took silver at the opening Sailing Grand Slam in Mallorca. The podium was completed by France's Matisse Pacaud and Lucie de Gennes, racing on home waters.
"We felt really good throughout the week. The conditions were excellent and very varied, with both strong and light winds, which made it a complete regatta. We're very happy with how we performed and to finish third, especially after a difficult start to the week in lighter winds and a larger fleet," said Pacaud. De Gennes added that the result carried particular weight given the setting: "It's a Grand Slam event, and performing well here in France, surrounded by our teammates, makes it even more special."
The French pair have Japan in their sights too, saying they feel confident heading into the remaining Grand Slam events and the World Championship in August.
In the medal races, Manon Pennaneac'h and Pierre Williot won the first, with Giacomo Ferrari and Alessandra Dubbini taking the second.
