French 29er sailors Jocelyn Le Goff and Jules Vidor made a strong statement at EuroCup Event 2, finishing 4th in their first regatta back after a winter break. With training based in Brest and a partnership built on complementary strengths, this duo is looking to climb even higher as the season unfolds. In this Q&A, they share their backgrounds, regatta reflections, and future goals.
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1. Can you both introduce yourselves? How old are you, and where are you from?
Jocelyn: Hello, my name is Jocelyn Le Goff. I’m 17 years old and I sail in Brittany, in the northwest of France.
Jules: My name is Jules Vidor, I’m 18 years old and I come from Vannes, also in the northwest of France.
2. How did you start sailing, and what led you to the 29er class?
Jocelyn: I started sailing at age eight—my parents put me in an Optimist. After competing at the World Championship in Turkey, I moved into the 29er, which I saw as the most flourishing class.
Jules: I began sailing at age 4 on my parents’ boat, then spent five years in Optimists before switching to the 29er. France has a strong 29er tradition, and that motivated me to compete at a high level.
3. How did you team up as a sailing duo?
Jocelyn: Our coach brought us together because of our complementary profiles, and we’re really happy with the pairing.
Jules: I sailed my first 29er season with Titouan Gresset (FRA 4), and then teamed up with Jocelyn. We make a great duo.
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4. You only competed in the second EuroCup event so far and finished 4th—how do you feel about that result?
Jocelyn: We’re quite satisfied to be back on the circuit with a 4th place finish. It helped highlight areas to work on.
Jules: It was a real test—we hadn’t sailed for five months over the winter. So to return and finish 4th, we feel pretty good.
5. Do you plan to race in more EuroCup events this season?
Jocelyn: Yes, we’ll be at Mauguio Carnon in the south of France, and Roompot.
Jules: We’re planning to compete in three EuroCups—Spain, France, and the Netherlands—and then summer events.
6. How often do you train, and where?
Jocelyn: Twice a week at the France Centre in Brest. Our coach Lilian Mercier, a former rider, supports us a lot—including our physical preparation.
Jules: We train on weekends in Brest.
7. What’s your favorite venue to sail at, and why?
Jocelyn: I don’t have a favorite—each body of water has its own unique challenges and originality.
Jules: Lake Garda for sure—the wind, the scenery, and we’ve spent a lot of time there.
8. What’s the most challenging aspect of sailing a 29er?
Jocelyn: Mastery. You need to sail for hours and hours to fully understand the boat.
Jules: Stability. It’s particularly tough for younger sailors, but it’s something we’ve learned to manage.
9. What’s your favorite thing about skiff sailing?
Jocelyn: The speed and the atmosphere.
Jules: The downwind speed—nothing beats that feeling.
10. What worked well for you at EuroCup Event 2?
Jocelyn: It was a comeback event, so we had to readjust at certain levels, but overall we were solid across the board.
Jules: We showed our experience in the fleet, which helped us secure 4th place.
11. Any tough or rewarding moments from the regatta?
Jocelyn: Starts—and not being in the top three at the first buoy.
Jules: We treated these races as training. We tried things we wouldn’t normally do in big regattas, and that was really valuable.
12. What are your goals for the rest of the season?
Jocelyn: Go to the World Championship and make the top 5.
Jules: Qualify for Youth Worlds and win the World Championship.
13. Are you planning to stay in the 29er long-term?
Jocelyn: This is my last year—I’ll continue my studies and sail for fun after.
Jules: I’d like to move into the 49er by the end of the year.
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14. Who are your biggest rivals on the EuroCup circuit?
Jocelyn: The Hungarian team, FRA 4, and some other boats as well.
Jules: FRA 4, ITA 6, HUN 12, and POL 17.
15. Do you have any pre-race rituals or routines?
Jocelyn: Music—mainly techno—and self-hypnosis to get in the zone.
Jules: Yes, I prepare mentally and physically to start the day well.
16. What’s the best sailing advice you’ve received?
Jocelyn: "Sailing ahead makes you smart"—from my father.
Jules: "One point is one point"—also from my father.
17. If you weren’t sailing, what sport would you be doing?
Jocelyn: Something extreme, or triathlon.
Jules: Triathlon for me as well.
18. What’s a regatta or championship you dream of winning?
Jocelyn: The America’s Cup.
Jules: The America’s Cup—and the Vendée Globe.