Dun Laoghaire Harbour's 2021 Waszp European Slalom & U20 Champion Charlie Cullen was one of 16 young sailors, consisting of multiple World and European Champions from various classes, who were selected to race in last week’s SailGP event in the Saint Tropez, on the French riviera.
As Afloat reported in August, the result is the fourth international podium for Royal St. George's Cullen this summer in the Waszp class.
The foiling dinghy fleet is partnering with SailGP in their quest to form a pathway for young sailors into the professional ranks and its 'SailGP INSPIRE' programme is used as a talent identification pathway for young sailors under 21 to gain exposure on the world stage.
While racing was a big part of the week, the young sailors received expert coaching and got up close with some of the world’s best sailors.
Charlie Cullen (on right, sail number 3) with other Waszp sailors and the French SailGP catamaran
“It was a surreal experience, seeing the incredible F50’s up close and learning how they work from the sailors themselves”, Cullen told Afloat.
The week comprised of training and qualifying races, where the best talent from around France and Europe sailed in a strong breeze and a big swell next to the beautiful shore of Saint Tropez harbour.
After training the sailors had tech discussions with sailing heroes such as Sail GP CEO Russel Coutts and the F50 sailors themselves.
After a windy and wavy qualifying series, the top 8 sailors prepared for a light wind final series. Non-foiling shifty conditions made the racing extremely tight. Charlie kept a consistent form to finish second overall with Eliot Savelon of the Netherlands taking the win and Eliot Coville of France finishing the podium.
Ireland's Charlie Cullen (second from left above) with other SailGP Waszp sailors on the Saint Tropez podium
