Dominant hosts secure Paralympic events gold medals at Sailing World Cup Hyères

Damien Seguin won the 2.4mR gold medal at his home Sailing World Cup in Hyères ©ISAF

The host nation have secured the gold medals in the Paralympic events at the International Sailing Federation World Cup after strong performances by Damien Seguin and the Sonar team in Hyères.

Seguin won the 2.4mR contest after tight competition throughout the week saw the title boil down to the final day of races.

He led from the start to win the first race of the day to boost his chances of gold, before placing seventh in the final event which was enough to take the victory by four points ahead of Matt Bugg of Australia.

"I am happy,” smiled Seguin, winner of six Sailing World Cup Hyères gold medals since 2008.

"This year was really difficult because the weather conditions were not really good for me.

“It was difficult but I knew I could win in light winds and strong winds.

"It was a really big battle for me between the Brits, Bjørnar [Erikstad], the German and everybody so I am happy.

"We were only 18 boats here but all the guys and the women competing are going to the Paralympic Games so it's a big level.”

Last year’s winner Heiko Kroeger of Germany completed the podium in third, finishing just a single point ahead of Great Britain’s London 2012 Paralympic champion Helena Lucas.

Bruno Jourdren, Eric Flageul and Nicolas Vimont-Vicary completed the French domination with gold in the Sonar event ©ISAF

In the Sonar, Bruno Jourdren, Eric Flageul and Nicolas Vimont-Vicary made sure it was double gold for the host nation after a final race showdown.

They had a one-point advantage over Australia’s Colin Harrison, Jonathan Harris and Russell Boaden, while Jens Kroker, Robert Prem and Siegmund Mainka of Germany were only three points off the leaders going into the deciding race.

Australia were at an advantage at the first mark, but France soon battled their way back on the first downwind to edge ahead.

They managed to maintain the lead over the Australians and although Germany finished ahead of third place finishers France in second place, with Britain in first, it was not enough to take the gold from the home team.

The silver medal went to the Australians and Germany took the bronze.

"We only had one point between us and the Australians and we were just behind them which was enough to win,” Jourdren said.

“But we passed and then we spent all the time looking around thinking 'where? Where? Where is he?

“That was very important to us.

"We've been coming to Hyères for many years and we're happy we've won.

“It was a good day for the French and we hope the others like the 470s and Nacra add some more French victories.”

The next Sailing World Cup regatta is due to take place in Weymouth and Portland, marking a return to the venue of the London 2012 Paralympic sailing competition on June 10.