After two years as a virtual event, the Semaine Olympique Française regatta will return to Hyères for its 53rd edition in 2022 and annually in the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
And for the first time in France, all 10 of the Olympic classes that will be contested at Paris 2024 will be present in Hyères from 23-30 April 2022.
The 10 classes — iQFOiL (men and women), Kite (men and women), ILCA (men), Laser Radial (women), 49erFX (men and women), Nacra 17 (mixed) and 470 (mixed) — will compete on Mediterranean waters which are as technical as they are tactical and renowned for the often strong winds.
“After two complicated years because of COVID-19, the Semaine Olympique Française is back on the calendar for 2022 — and for the next three years,” said Jean-Luc Denéchau, president of the Fédération Française de Voile (French Sailing Federation).
“This is great news for this historic event. It will be the opportunity to see — for the first time in France, in the Toulon Provence Méditerranée area — all the new Olympic classes.
“The preparation time for the 2024 Olympic Games is going to be short and all the big events, such as the Semaine Olympique Française, will be crucial moments not to be missed. It promises to be compelling viewing and a great week of competition.”
Jean-Pierre Giran, Mayor of the City of Hyères and Vice-President of the Toulon Provence Méditerranée region, added: “The renovation of the municipal nauutical base, an ‘Olympic preparation centre’ for sailing, will contribute to the welcome to international delegations and to the success of sailing events in our region.
“It is also an opportunity to deepen our relationship with this world-class sailing event, whose reputation and excellence, are recognised by everyone, and in which we have a close collaboration with the French Sailing Federation and the Toulon Provence Méditerranée region.”