2003: The Rebirth of the "Coupe de France"

2 Oct 2002 - The Yacht Club de France, in association with the French Sailing Federation (FFV) and the Melges 24 Class, are pleased to announce the revival of the COUPE DE FRANCE. The Cup was first raced in Brest in 1891 and was last held in Bénodet in 1992.

Under the new rules of the COUPE DE FRANCE, the Cup will be won by a team of 3 boats, namely a MUMM 3O, a MELGES 24 and a DRAGON. These three one-design classes bring together the greatest number of champions in the international yachting world. With the participation of the three most active one-design classes, this race should become a genuine world team championship.

The 2003 edition will be held in Saint Tropez on March 28th, 29th and 30th. The time and location were carefully chosen. It will take place in between the two first pre-season regattas for the Mumm and Melges classes: the Primo Cup in Monaco and the Cassis Cup, and 4 weeks prior to the Easter races: the SNIM (Melges) , the Spi Ouest-France (Mumm) and the Palma (Dragon). These dates fit well within the busy schedule of these three classes. The location of the race should attract many foreign crews as Saint Tropez remains the most prestigious spot on the French Riviera.

With the help of the French Sailing Federation, the Mumm 30, Melges 24 and Dragon classes, the Yacht club de France will orchestrate an exciting rebirth of the COUPE DE FRANCE, in keeping with it’s glorious past.

Please find attached: the history of the COUPE DE FRANCE and the 2003 rules, which indicate how the 20 participating teams will be selected.

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