The Final Race Decides the Champion
Jean-Luc Petithuguenin and his French team, Paprec, achieved a landmark victory at the Marina Rubicón Lanzarote 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week, winning the final race with a composed and strategic performance. The competition was fierce, with just two points separating Paprec from their closest rivals, Sled and Alkedo. In the decisive race, Sled was penalized during the contest, which caused them to fall dramatically in the standings to 12th place. Alkedo, despite recovering from an early start infraction, finished fifth, while Paprec maintained their focus and finished strong, ultimately securing the top spot by two points.
The race started under harsh conditions, with the fleet struggling to find consistency on the start line. Alkedo and two other teams jumped the gun, while Paprec remained calm, adjusting to the unpredictable wind shifts. When the fleet reached the top mark, Paprec had worked their way to a solid fourth-place position, just behind Sled. But the tide turned when Sled faced a series of penalties, which drastically altered the final standings and handed Paprec a key edge.
This win capped off a 17-year journey for the Paprec team. Petithuguenin, the team's passionate owner, described the triumph as the result of years of dedication, effort, and perseverance. The journey began 30 years ago when he first took to the water with Stephane Névé in Brest, setting the foundation for the team's continued success. “They are my second family,” he said, honoring the crew who have grown with him and supported the team's progress over the years.
The team has continued to develop since tactician Loick Peyron joined in 2024, bringing a new level of skill and strategy to the crew. Stephane Névé, the team's project manager and mainsheet trimmer, highlighted the emotional resilience of the crew, particularly noting how many had waited years for this breakthrough moment. “It was too much emotion for me after we passed the finish line,” Névé said, reflecting on the immense pride and joy felt by the team.
The victory was not without its challenges. During the final race, the team encountered a technical issue that caused them to lose the helm, requiring constant adjustments throughout the race. Despite these hurdles, their teamwork and determination ensured they overcame the obstacles and secured a historic win.
Petithuguenin, overwhelmed with joy, announced his plans to celebrate with a container of champagne once they return to Lanzarote, making sure that every member of the team could share in the moment. “I have been waiting for the last 17 years to win at the end of a TP52 regatta,” he said, expressing his disbelief and happiness at the achievement. He emphasized how far the team had come, especially as a small group from Brittany competing against the best in the world.
Névé also dedicated the win to the team's late kite trimmer, Olivier Camebourg, who passed away in 2024. Reflecting on the journey, Névé said, “I think about the guys that have been racing with us that are not here anymore, the ones that could not come and the one we lost,” showing the deep respect and emotional connection among the crew. The win symbolized not only a victory in the race but also a tribute to the memories and efforts of those who had contributed to the team's success over the years.
The win also marks a major milestone for the team, which has grown from humble beginnings to competing at the top level of international sailing. With their eyes set on the future, Petithuguenin and his team are eager to build on this success and continue their journey at the highest level of the sport.
The Marina Rubicón Lanzarote 52 SUPER SERIES Sailing Week showcased the best of the world's Grand Prix monohull racing. The event, held from July 21 to 25, 2026, highlighted the intense competition, skill, and determination of the teams involved. With their victory, Paprec proved that perseverance, teamwork, and a strong sense of identity can lead to even the most unexpected success on the water.
This event also serves as an example of how sailing is more than just the race itself. For Petithuguenin and his crew, the win is a culmination of hard work, friendship, and a shared dream. As they raised their hands in celebration, they not only won a race but honored the journey that brought them to this moment.
Looking ahead, the 52 SUPER SERIES promises more exciting moments in the coming weeks. The Paprec team, with their recent win, will be eager to build on this performance and continue their climb at the pinnacle of the sport. For now, they can savor a well-earned victory and the memories it brings.
As the sailing world turns its attention to the next event, the story of Paprec's triumph in Lanzarote stands as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through passion, perseverance, and unity.