The names of the seven sailors who will race aboard the French AC45 as part of the Next World Energy team at the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup have been revealed. To select the young sailors who will represent the Yacht Club de France in San Francisco this September, Energy Team worked in partnership with the French Sailing Federation and the “French Youth Team”. Below is an introduction to the crew.
The cast has been chosen: Arthur Ponroy, Antoine Lauriot-Prévost, Hubert Savatier, Romain Bellet, Valentin Bellet, Paul Dagault, and Edouard-Marie Alikiagaléléi will race in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, taking place in San Francisco, this September 1-4. Before they race at the highest level onboard the AC45, the team will meet together on Monday for a new two-week training session at the National Sailing School of Quiberon, in Formula 18 and Open 7.50.
Energy Team, French Youth Team and FFVoile: three entities for one selection
The final crew members that were selected to be a part of Next World Energy is the result of a selection process that started in May 2012 with the official launch of the « French Youth Team. » Created and directed by Vincent Guého, the organization aimed to present a French team at the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. Youngsters united around the project, which received the support of the French Sailing Federation, and aroused the interest of the adult Energy Team. « We followed the growth of the French Youth Team closely and decided very quickly to get in touch. The FYT had a pool of racers, we had the boat, and potentially the budget to get us in the race, » said Antoine Mermod, team manager of the French challenger. After a first screening the sailors took part in a few annex races, notably on Open 7.50, and also trained aboard the AC45 with Energy Team in Naples. “Racing on the actual boat of the Youth America’s Cup allowed us to observe t! he young sailors out on the ocean, better understand their individual skills and also identify areas for improvement. We found that they are all good sailors, with great human and technical qualities, » says Antoine Mermod. The team selection took place during a ten day training session in May in Lorient, with the Extreme 40, loaned by the Groupama Sailing Team. At the end of this complicated, but instructive session, Energy Team, in partnership with French Youth Team and the French Sailing Federation, were able to decide on a coherent and efficient crew.
Seven young sailors with complementary skills
Seven sailors all under the age of 25 have been selected to represent the Yacht Club de France this September in San Francisco.
Arthur Ponroy, Skipper (age 23)
The skipper of the AC45 that will race in the colors of Next World Group already has great experience with habitable boats and with a crew, including the Tour de France à la Voile, where he competes for the fourth time this summer aboard the M34 Courrier Dunkerque. Smart, unifying, and very sharp in his analysis and decisions, onboard he will hold the position of Wing Trimmer or Bowman.
Antoine Lauriot-Prévost, Helmsman (age 23)
Son of the famous naval architect Vincent Lauriot-Prévost, Antoine followed the same career path. Talented in sport catamaran (Hobie Cat 16, F18) as with habitable boats and fine helmsman, he is also appreciated for his good humor.
Hubert Savatier, Tactician (age 22)
Hubert is also a jack-of-all-trades who has sailed both a sports catamaran and habitable boat, (Tour de France à la Voile, Match Race). He is rigorous, versatile and physically well prepared. His discretion on land hides a strong personality at sea.
Romain Bellet, Bowman or Wing Trimmer (age 20)
The youngest of the team, alongside his brother Valentin, he is one of the best specialists in sports catamarans (SL 16, Hobie 16, F18). He is tough, explosive and mentally very strong.
Valentin Bellet, Trimmer (age 22)
He has the same pedigree as his brother, but not quite the same character. As the calmer one, he is able to channel the enthusiasm of the crew. His young age also has not prevented him from possessing wide nautical knowledge. He can do everything on board.
Paul Dagault, Bowman (age 22)
Specialist in habitable boats, he has good experience in Match Racing and M34 – he will be aboard Sodebo for the next Tour de France à la Voile. He is physically well-prepared and has solid technical competency. His kindness and humor do not spoil any of his qualities as a seaman.
Edouard-Marie Alikiagaléléi, Bowman or Trimmer (age 23)
Match Racing, Tour de France à la Voile: Edouard-Marie is a product of the habitable boat field. Like Arthur Ponroy, he will be part of the Courrier Dunkerque crew at the next edition of the Tour. His physical qualities and kindness are extraordinary.
Career highlights for the seven selected team members
Arthur Ponroy
2012: 2nd in the Tour de France à la Voile M34
2nd in the Grand Prix Ecole Navale
2011: 3rd in the French Championship in J80
Winner of the Tour de France à la Voile
2010: World Champion in Farr30
2nd in the Tour de France à la Voile
Antoine Lauriot Prévost
2012: 3rd in the Course Croisière EDHEC
2011: Winner of the Tour de France à la Voile (amateur ranking)
2010: Season in F18
2009: 2nd Hobie Cat 16 Catagolfe
2008: Champion of France Youth Hobie Cat 16
2007: European Champion Hobie Cat 16
Hubert Savatier
2013: 4th in the Championship Match Race France
2012: 6th at Normandy Sailing Week
2011: Champion of France in Keel boat
2nd in Tour de France à la Voile
2010: Vice Champion of France in University Match Racing
2009: Vice World Champion youth F18
2008: 3rd in the World Championship SL16 Open
Romain Bellet
2013: 3rd in National W18
2012: Winner of the « Coupe des Iles d’Or » in C1
2011: European Champion Youth F18
2010: Vice World Champion SL16
3rd European Championship Youth Hobie Cat 16
2009: Vice world champion ISAF Hobie Cat 16
SL16 World Open champion
Young Champion of France SL16
2008: World Champion Kids SL16
Valentin Bellet
2013: 3rd National W18
2012: Winner of the Eurocat in Viper
2011: European Champion Kids F18
2010: 3rd in the European Youth Championships in Hobie Cat 16
2009: Vice world champion ISAF Hobie Cat 16
SL16 World Open champion
Young Champion of France SL16
2008: World Champion Kids SL16
Paul Dagault
2012: 3rd in the championship of France Match Racing Open
4th in the Grand Prix Guyader M34
4th in the Grand Prix Ecole Navale in M34
2011: 6th in the Tour de France à la Voile
7th of France for International Match Racing
3rd Championship France Young Match Racing
Edouard-Marie Alikiagaléléi
2013: Winner of the championship of France J80
2012: 2nd in the Tour de France à la Voile
2011: Winner of the Tour de France à la Voile amateur ranking (seventh overall)
2nd International Match Race in France
2010: Winner of World Championship FARR 30