Chinese yachts at the Naval College Grand Prix

Luc Gellusseau explains: “When we raced the Cup under the colours of China, the idea was to become involved in the development of sailing in China, by enabling the Chinese to sail at the top level as well including them in the construction of the yachts. As a result, we decided to manufacture a Sportsboat: the Longtze Premier. It was built entirely in China in a yard more familiar with the construction of dinghies.”

The upshot of this was a yacht measuring 6m80 long and 2m55 wide, a hull which is a highly reminiscent of the 505, rich in sensations at 6 to 7 knots, 4 or 5 crew required to handle it. 5 craft will attend the Naval College Grand Prix for their first ever presentation and sail in Europe. Mr André Annick, President of the Royal Belgium Sailing Club, Mr Koos Van Den Heuvel, Chairman of the CINMAR B.V. company, Seb Audigane, patron of the seventh edition of the GPEN (Naval College Grand Prix), Luc Gellusseau and Xavier Lesquen, China Team, Patrick Godeau and actor Charles Berling will be at the controls of these fine new boats. Belgian, Dutch, Swiss, British and Spanish racers will further boost the wealth of national participants on the pontoons of the Club Ailée, evidence of the continuing internationalisation of the event.

The series attending the GPEN: 747 OD, Melges 24, J80, Mumm 30, Open 750, Mach 650, Karver 650, Open 650, Open 570, Longtze Premier