The 57th edition of the Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères wrapped up over the weekend on the Mediterranean coast, drawing hundreds of top sailors from across the globe to compete for coveted points and early momentum ahead of the next Olympic Games. Among the standout competitors was Luc Chevrier, a two-time Olympic representative from Saint Lucia, who fought his way through a stacked field of more than 130 entrants in the ILCA 7 class to secure a spot in the final round.
Hosted in the sheltered Bay of Hyeres, this year’s event served as the second stop on the prestigious Sailing Grand Slam circuit, bringing together 705 athletes from 59 national and territorial teams to compete across 10 competitive boat classes. Unlike many regattas that are plagued by unpredictable Mediterranean weather, organizers and competitors alike enjoyed ideal wind and sea conditions across all six days of racing, allowing every scheduled heat to run as planned.
Chevrier, who is set to turn 27 in June, put in a consistent effort across the preliminary rounds to qualify for the event’s Gold Fleet, the top group of competitors vying for final positions. He ultimately finished 35th overall in the ILCA 7 category, marking the second consecutive Grand Slam event where he has secured a spot in the final stage. His performance follows a 30th-place finish at the opening Grand Slam event in Palma De Mallorca, Spain, giving him a strong start to his competitive season.
Reflecting on his result after the final race, Chevrier emphasized that his early-season form has exceeded expectations. “Back-to-back final finishes for the first two Grand Slam events of the season. So, a very good start to the season,” he said. “We have been quite consistent for the start of the season with top-tier finishes, fighting against the best in the world.”
Up next for Chevrier is the European Championships, scheduled to kick off in two weeks in Split, Croatia, where he will look to build on his Hyères result.
The Saint Lucia Yacht Club, which has supported Chevrier’s career for years, released a statement celebrating his achievement, highlighting what his success means for emerging sailing talent across the Caribbean. “From our shores to international waters. Luc is making waves at Olympic Week in Hyères, and we couldn’t be prouder,” the statement read. “He’s an inspiration to young sailors across Saint Lucia and the Caribbean – proof that big dreams start right here at home.”
In the top tier of the ILCA 7 results, Australia’s double Olympic champion Matt Wearn claimed the gold medal, extending an undefeated streak since his return to competitive sailing. After taking more than a year off following his gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Wearn has now won both of his comeback events, taking top honors at both the Palma and Hyères stops of the Sailing Grand Slam within a single month. Behind Wearn, British sailors Michael Beckett and Elliot Hanson engaged in a tight battle for the silver medal position.
Ed Russo, Event Director for Semaine Olympique Française de Hyères, noted that this year’s event held particular strategic importance beyond just the on-water competition, coming two years ahead of the next Olympic Games. “For the athletes, it was a great week. The weather was perfect, and they were able to race for all six days,” Russo said. “It was truly a fantastic edition. Two years before the Games, this 57th SOF is important because we are in a period of testing and selection for the format of finals they will have for the Olympic Games.”