Sailing Champions Take on Renowned Seas in the Next Leg of the Grand Slam Test, Riveting Hyères from Palma de Mallorca

The sun-kissed waters of Palma de Mallorca wave farewell as the renowned 470 fleet carves a course for the French Riviera. Their destination: Hyères, an iconic locale that has long been hailed as one of the most superb sailing venues in Europe. This Mediterranean beauty awaits them from the 18th to the 25th of April, set to host the French Olympic Week 2026 or, as it is internationally celebrated, the Semaine Olympique Française.

Defending champions, Germany’s Simon Diesch and Anna Markfort maintain their formidable reputation in the sailing community. Hailing as victors from the previous year’s event, their entry into Hyères brings an added edge to the competition, raising anticipation in great measures. The championship boasts 48 entries from 18 nations, presenting a global exhibition of supreme sailing prowess. Teams from Australia, China, India, among others, amplify the international echelon of the fleet, symbolising the global strength of the 470 class.

Hyères marks the second stop of the esteemed Grand Slam. With an arguably reduced but fiercely competitive fleet when compared to Palma, the athletes engage in a test of precision and performance under a spotlight of immense pressure. The Semaine Olympique Française presents a definitive challenge against the backdrop of notoriously demanding wind conditions synonymous with southern France. Undoubtedly, this will serve as the decisive test for both well-anchored leaders and up-and-coming teams eager to make an impression on the international stage.

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