Jourdren secures gold at EUROSAF Sailing Europeans

The Frenchman took first place on four occasions, including the penultimate race, securing him the gold medal

France dominated the European Sailing Federation (EUROSAF) Disabled Sailing European Championship in Valencia, Spain, as they claimed a one-two finish between 22-26 October.

The competition featured racing in the 2.4mR class, with Bruno Jourdren taking top spot with a net score of 23 across the 11 races, nine points ahead of his closest competitor as he regularly finishing in the top four throughout the competition.

The Frenchman took first place on four occasions, including the penultimate race, securing him the gold medal comfortably ahead of the 17-strong field.

Jourdren’s lowest finish throughout the competition was sixth, but as with sailing scoring, the lowest result is dropped from the final score.

By failing to finish outside the top four in all 10 other races, this made him a worthy winner.

Speaking on his victory, Jourdren said: “I’m happy. It’s been an intense week, where we competed at a high level.

“I like the city of Valencia and I leave with a good memory of it.”

Second place went to France’s Kevin Cantin, who scored 32 points. Cantin looked to be the favourite in the early encounters, after securing three consecutive first place finishes.

But a disastrous fourth race, where he finished seventh - before an eighth place finish which didn’t count - dented his chances as compatriot Jourden went from strength to strength.

Third place went to Italy’s Antonio Squizzato, who recovered from a ninth place finish (eventually dropped) in his opening race to score 35 overall. He was regularly in the hunt for first place, but could only muster second on four occasions.

Out of the 17 athletes competing in this open competition, four came from France, nine from Spain, two from Italy, one from Austria and one from Brazil.

For more information, visit the EUROSAF Sailing European Championship website.