A 45-year-old Frenchman became the first to cross the Channel on a board equipped with a metal fin propelled solely by his own power, two weeks ago.
The small board used by Erwan Jauffroy was equipped with a foil, which acts like an “underwater airplane wing”. This wing, long and slender, is connected to the board by a mast measuring a little less than a meter and is propelled solely by the force applied to it.
Last July 12, the Frenchman sailed for eight hours to connect the towns of Eastbourne, in the United Kingdom, to that of Cherbourg, in France.
Erwan Jauffroy during his crossing of the Channel
Image by Pierre Bouras
After an early morning start, he covered the 192 kilometers separating him from his native country at an average speed of 24 km/h, all thanks to the strength of his legs and the feats of physics.
“A great feeling of accomplishment” inhabits the sailor following his international crossing.
Once gliding, the foiler must “read the sea” in order to follow the waves which will carry him as far as possible in the desired direction. “It’s very technical,” he says.
“The Channel is a very hostile sea. It’s cold and we find the strongest currents in Europe,” the athlete told the QMI Agency in an interview.
Erwan Jauffroy during his crossing of the Channel
Image by Pierre Bouras
Such conditions cannot be braved by oneself. “Pushing your own limits” is not enough, it is also essential to be supported by a competent team.
Throughout his crossing, a motorboat followed him closely to ensure his safety.
Erwan Jauffroy during his crossing of the Channel
Image by Pierre Bouras
“I was accompanied by legends of ocean racing. I am lucky to have them as friends, they are rare and precious resources on which I can count,” he said.
His teammates played a big role in the success of his feat: beyond security, they ensured his supplies and helped him navigate through one of the busiest sea lanes in the world.
“You can’t do an 8 to 10 hour crossing without eating, it’s like a mountain race,” he said.
Erwan Jauffroy during his crossing of the Channel
Image by Pierre Bouras
He therefore had to eat on his board while maintaining his balance for 8 hours, in order to have the energy necessary to complete his journey.
“I stop every 3 hours, so twice during the crossing,” explained the sailor. I then give my empty bag to the boat and they give me a full one again, with drinks and food. »
Erwan Jauffroy during his crossing of the Channel
Image by Pierre Bouras
A long preparation
Already a fan of windsurfing, Erwan Jauffroy discovered foil sports in 2010.
However, it was only three years ago that he devoted himself to it seriously.
Erwan Jauffroy during his crossing of the Channel
Image by Pierre Bouras
“Foiler is definitely something new. “It’s like learning a whole new sport,” he said.
In June 2024, he also covered 246 km on his board, connecting the city of Toulon in France to Corsica. This crossing of more than 12 hours is still the longest to his credit.
“I am keen to prove that the energy of the sea is just waiting to be used. In history, we used oars, then sails and then engines. I think the next step could be the foils! » he concluded, his voice full of hope.
