Yachting-Allan Julie, Alison Hoareau net best sailor titles for 2012 |14 December 2012

Julie has been chosen in recognition for his outstanding performance, achievement and results during 2012, both at national and international level.

Despite finishing in the shadow of second-placed Rodney Govinden in all local competitions organised by the Seychelles Yachting Association (SYA), Julie earned extra leverage thanks to his superior achievements at international level.

Locally, Julie finished second in all three competitions – SYA Laser class, SYA Laser Cup A and SYA Laser Cup B.

Internationally, he competed at the World Championships where he finished fourth out of 56 competitors in the bronze fleet. He also took part in the Europa Cup series where he finished 41st overall in a fleet of 108, as well as the Mediterranean Championships off Hyères, France where he finished 11th out of 43 sailors.

At regional level, Julie competed in the Coupe de La Réunion regatta which he dominated to finish first in a fleet of six.

As for second placed Govinden, he dominated the local scene, winning all competitions – SYA Laser class, SYA Laser Cup A and SYA Laser Cup B. Internationally, he also competed at the World Championships (35th out of 56 in the bronze fleet), Europa Cup series (46th out of 108), Mediterranean Championships off Hyères, France (13th out of 43) and the Coupe de La Réunion regatta (2nd out of six).

For her part, Hoareau – who competed mostly against boys -- finished third overall in the Regatta Optimist class and second out of five in the SYA Cup A Optimist class. In the SYA Cup B, she finished second out of five sailors.

At international level, she finished eight out of 69 contestants at the India international regatta, while in the girl’s category of the same competition, Hoareau finished third overall, earning a bronze medal.

At the African Optimist championships, Hoareau was ranked 54th overall out of 73 sailors.
Elsie Gertrude competed at local level only and has been voted second best in the category. She competed in the Regatta Laser Radial (5th out of five), SYA Cup A Laser Radial (6th out of seven) and the SYA Cup B Laser Radial (6th out of seven).

An excellent performance in the Coupe de La Réunion regatta has earned Aubrey Sophola the best young male sailor of the year title. He finished first out 12 sailors at the competition.

Locally, Sophola competed in the Regatta Laser Class (2nd out of four), the SYA Cup A Laser Class (1st out of six) and the SYA Cup B Laser class (3rd out of six).

In windsurfing, Bertrand Lablache has been voted the year’s best performer after dominating the National Championship ahead of six other surfers and finishing third in the annual Mahe-Praslin race.

Despite winning the Mahe-Praslin race and ranked fourth in the National Championships, Stephan Stravens has finished second overall in the windsurfing category.

R. D.