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When she presented herself to the organizers a few days before the race, it was to help out with an internship. At the time, 18-year-old Leanna Grivel had no idea what she was getting into. "When I arrive, they tell me I'm missing a team member, so they offer me a job," she laughs. A real challenge, improvised, for the teenager who has only sailed laser, solo. "But not for a year and a half," she says. What's more, she's never touched an F18 catamaran in any way, shape or form. When I was sailing, I had already taken part on the organization's boats, and I was really tempted to do it," she assures us. But as I didn't have the level and had never trained, I didn't think I'd ever do it. In the end, you end up doing what you wanted to do! "Last Thursday, she discovered her teammate (Pascal Marchais, from Guadeloupe) and her F18, under the CCDM banner. Right from the first day, it was very sporty, but then it got better," says Leanna. I didn't know my team-mate at all, and I'd like to thank him. We communicated a lot at the beginning and it worked out pretty well. It's very sporty, very physical, with lots of sensations and great fun. The hardest part is the intensity. We're always on the move, in and out of the boat. There have been some very complicated days, and sometimes motivation drops. And even though I can't say I'm up to the level, I've had a lot of fun on the water. "
Both on land and at sea, her mother Beryl Minet has been following Leanna's performances. It's a great experience for her," she says. I followed a race on a boat. I realized how long the course is and how difficult it is. I'm very, very proud of her! "
An adventure in which Pascal Marchais has, of course, played an active part. Apart from two editions, the Guadeloupean has taken part in every Cata Cup. But never with a novice. When I arrive, I have no boat and no crew," he says with amusement. So I end up with Léanna, who has never sailed a sports catamaran. And the F18 is tough! At first, she discovered the boat. I tried to eliminate the technical aspects, but it went well. As time went by, her muscles got used to it. The conditions weren't extreme, otherwise we couldn't have done it. "
In a fleet of 48 F18 catamarans featuring some of the world's best in the category, the impromptu duo finished 38th. Enough to motivate Leanna, who arrived in Saint-Barth "just after Irma" when she was a little girl, to take part again? "Yes, but prepared, with more training," she exclaims.
Local sailors from left to right: Yanis Brin, Jonah Raveloson, Fenosoa Raveloson, Antonin Sciou, Christophe Maxor, Leanna Grivel, Anthony Magras, Noah Turshi, Turenne Laplace. ©Pierrick Contin
