A universal support
The 470 is a double dinghies designed in 1962 by the French architect André Cornu. An Olympic boat since 1976 for men and 1988 for women, the "four-seven" is 4.70 m long and has a master mate of 1.70 m. Its sail plan consists of a mainsail, jib or spinnaker.
Thanks to its accessibility, the 470 is a real gateway to the world of sailing. For this reason, it was chosen as an Olympic support, allowing each of the nations involved to compete on equal terms in light sailing. While it is small, it also offers superb sensations, while it is easy to sail, it requires strategy and tactics, especially in light airs.
At the Olympic Games, there are two events of 470, one for men and one for women.
Two talented men
The French duo of Kevin Péponnet at the helm and Jeremy Mion at the helm was chosen to represent France at the 2020 Olympic Games in Enoshima. They have been sailing together for two years and already won a world championship in 2018 in Aarhus, before achieving great results in 2019.
We will note their fine 7th place on the first stage of the World Cup in Miami last January, or their bronze medal on the European Championships of 470 in San Remo.
This summer, they took fifth place at the World Championships in Enoshima, winning the ticket for the Test Event a week later on the same race course and finishing 9 e .
"It's a kid's dream. I was rocked by the stories of my uncle who went to the games twice and told me about his experiences. Every time we talk about it, I have stars in my eyes. It is the most beautiful event because of its rarity. It's very rich in terms of sharing with other French athletes, there's a lot of experience transfer, you learn a lot" explains Kevin.
Two ambitious women
A year and a half after the formation of their duo, Camille Lecointre and Aloïse Retornaz qualified to represent France at the 2020 Olympic Games in 470. Camille, already a bronze medalist in 2016, and Aloise, for whom this will be the first Olympic participation, will be keen to go for the gold.
Since 2018, they have been aligning their successes: 1st of the 2018 Elite French Championship, 2018 European Champions, then Bronze Medal at the World Championship and finally, 1st at the Test Event on the water surface of the Olympic Games this summer.
"This is my third selection after London and Rio. It is a step, but not an end in itself. The finality will be the medal. We've been looking at the Games for some time now without waiting for the selection. My success is also personal, that of succeeding in an Olympic project by having a child and taking it with me everywhere. Two years ago I wasn't sure at all." comments Camille. And Alöise adds: "since I was a child I've dreamed of it! And for the past 10 years, that's been my main goal in life. It's really strong to know that we're going to be there."
