3 questions to Jean-Baptiste Gautier

25/04/2023

The Frenchman Jean-Baptiste Gautier, a figure of speed in windsurfing in the 80s and 90s and also a kitesurfer, took part in this year's Défi Wind in Gruissan for the 11th time. His particularity was that he was racing with vintage equipment linked to his passion for the sport in the 80s. Still smiling, he tells Windsurfjournal.com about his participation in this event...

Windsurfjournal.com: Could you introduce yourself to those who don't know you?
Jean-Baptiste Gautier : I am 56 years old, I started windsurfing, then the beginning of fun. I made my speed debut in Fos-sur-Mer in 1988, I did about sixty speed events and a little slalom in the World Cup. I finished in Ireland in 2008. I have a lot of good memories, some good results and a lot of great encounters. A whole life. I'm passionate about the 80's and I collect customs, guns, racing sails, racers' prototypes, rare pieces! A passion I like to share. I also take part in some cool vintage events like the Fromentine Vintage Fun Cup. This was my 11th Défi Wind and my 9th Défi Kite.

WJ: As in 2015 when you last participated, you decided to race in vintage gear. What was your quiver for this event and why this choice?
JBG : In 2015 I rode a Bic Allegro and a NeilPryde Raf Speed 4.4. But the wind was stronger, which suits me. I prefer to fight, whether it's on a board or a kite. This year the idea was to get some old gear out of my collection and go into the water without pressure, just for fun. For this occasion I brought out the Raf Speed, rotating sails without cambers in 4.4, 5.4, 6.4 m², rigged on soft carbon masts to preserve the mast panels and seams. For the younger ones, it is important to know that it was the reference sail for speed from 1986 to 1988. Fred Haywood, Olivier Augé and Laird Hamilton shone with this sail. As for the board, I had a Strapper Jason Polakow Slalom 277 and a Bic Vivace 270 Carbon for the strong wind. These are two boards from my shed that I haven't tried before. I also had 2 slalom sails in 5.2 and 6.2 m² Challenger Sails with cambers from 2007, quite tired.

WJ: You finished 678th, how did the equipment work during the 4 races and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this type of equipment in a race like the Défi Wind?
JBG: I don't see many advantages to sailing with such equipment, given the current technology and the range of use and control. We are comparing Alain Prost's F1 Renault car to Hamilton's Mercedes one! Round 1, Strapper and 5.4. Back in the boat, I lost the fin after the Nouvelle buoy on the second lap! Discard! Rounds 2 and 3, same gear, underpowered, some planing losses but on the finish. The Strapper is tight with a sharp rail and I had no problem for upwind, even with a 32cm G10 Microfin. But it hits a lot harder than a newer board. I was not ridiculous in the gusts and felt 30 years younger! Round 4 in the 6.2 Challenger to try and improve my ranking. Not used to these wide sleeves at all! I didn't have a soft mast in 460 for the 6.4 Raf Speed. Too bad... Still at the finish line with a smile!