Hyères Set to Host Milestone 55th French Olympic Week Ahead of Paris 2024 Games
The 55th edition of the French Olympic Week, to be held from April 20 to 27, 2024, in Hyères – Toulon Provence Méditerranée, is gearing up to be a landmark event in the world of Olympic sailing. This year, the event will serve as the final major gathering before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, drawing nearly 1,000 athletes and 500 support staff from 90 nations across five continents.
Two Major Competitions
The French Olympic Week
The French Olympic Week will host the “Qualified Nations” at Hyères harbour, featuring two participants per nation and class. This includes all 10 Olympic classes:
- ILCA (Men’s and Women’s single-handed dinghy)
- 49er (Men’s and Women’s skiff)
- Nacra 17 (Mixed multihull)
- 470 (Mixed double-handed dinghy)
- Formula Kite (Men’s and Women’s kitefoil)
- iQFOiL (Men’s and Women’s windsurfing)
The Last Chance Regatta
This event will offer a pivotal opportunity for nations still striving to qualify for the Olympic Games. The Last Chance Regatta will distribute the final 39 Olympic spots, with three places per class, except in kiteboarding and iQFOiL where there will be five places each, and four places for the mixed double-handed dinghy (470).
Virtual French Olympic Week
In addition to the on-water events, the French Olympic Week will extend into the virtual realm. From April 14 to April 20, the Virtual SOF 2024 will allow participants worldwide to compete in three Olympic fleets: Nacra 17, ILCA, and 49fx. This virtual competition will follow a rigorous schedule, culminating in a finale for the top 80 players on April 28 at 3:00 PM French time.
Virtual Competition Details
- Days 1-2: Nacra 17 races
- Days 3-4: ILCA races
- Days 5-6: 49fx races
Players’ rankings will be determined based on their best performances across 10 consecutive races.
Prizes and Qualifications
The top three finishers will qualify directly for the playoffs of the individual World Championship. For French participants, the top two in the Virtual SOF will gain entry into the semi-finals of the E-sailing French Championship.
Anticipating a Historic Event
This year’s French Olympic Week is poised to surpass previous participation records and provide a competitive and emotional prelude to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. With a blend of physical and virtual competitions, the event not only showcases elite sailing prowess but also embraces modern digital engagement to connect a global audience.
Mark your calendars for an exciting week in Hyères, and join the action either on the water or online for a unique blend of competition and innovation in the world of sailing
Click here for LIVE RESULT
