One year after its launch, the Class40 Crosscall won the World Championships in its category this weekend in La Rochelle. This title confirms the full potential of this prototype, which combines innovation and sustainability, as well as that of its skipper, who has an unusual profile. After winning two world freeride skiing titles, Aurelien Ducroz adds another world title to his list of achievements, demonstrating once again his thirst for victory and his ability to lead ambitious projects.
Aurélien Ducroz: “I’ve won two world titles in skiing, but this is my first in sailing—it’s amazing! We sailed well during the first three days of the championship, with three strong races that kept us in the lead group. A lot of it came down to the maneuvers, and we handled those pretty well. We’re obviously frustrated that we couldn’t do more, but now we can only be happy with the result! Racing as a crew reminded me of the Tour de France à la Voile, which I did on a Diam24 for three years in a row… You get back into the swing of things, even if it’s a bit physically demanding on these boats, but it was a lot of fun. Working with Vincent Riou was just extraordinary. Sailing with someone who has so much experience is a real privilege and a true pleasure. I’d also like to thank him immensely, as well as everyone else who was on board: David Sineau, Eric Levet, Thomas Audren, and of course my boat captain Jonathan Chodkiewiez, with whom I’m very happy to have shared this moment. I’m incredibly proud to bring this World Champion title to this wonderful project that we’ve been building since last year with my partners on the Crosscall Sailing Team, led by Crosscall, who were the first to place their trust in me for the construction of our prototype.”
CLASS40 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP PODIUM
1. CROSSCALL 166) – Aurélien DUCROZ
2. INTER INVEST (175) – Matthieu PERRAUT
3. REDMAN (161) – Antoine CARPENTIER
UPCOMING RACES
July 17: start of the Drheam Cup, a solo race, in Cherbourg.
November 6: Start of the Route du Rhum, bound for Guadeloupe.