France 1 12 F 1

The First French Challenger for the America’s Cup

A National Symbol of Modern Yachting (1970)

Launched in 1970, France (F-1) became a historic icon as the first yacht to represent France in the America’s Cup. Designed by André Mauric and built in Pontarlier, she was constructed entirely in accordance with America’s Cup rules—built in her home country using advanced techniques.

Her hull was crafted from three plies of 30-year-old mahogany, and her winches were manufactured in France under the direction of Marcel Bich. She was launched in La Trinité-sur-Mer, where sailing conditions mirrored those in Newport, Rhode Island.

The 1970 Challenge

After initial testing with Chancegger (F-4) and Constellation (F-20), France was shipped to Newport to face Australia’s Gretel (KA-1), a seasoned competitor in its third Cup challenge.

Despite efforts by Swiss champion Louis Noverraz, Poppie Delfour, and Marcel Bich himself—joined by national sailing hero Eric Tabarly—France was defeated in heavy fog. Gretel crossed the finish line well ahead, while France struggled to find it.

"Business is like an international regatta... Between a boat in the race and the company engaged in the economic regatta, the elements and the situations are indeed strictly comparable."
– Baron Marcel Bich

Trials, Setbacks, and Transformation (1971–1977)

In 1971, Paul Elvström, the four-time Olympic champion known as the "Flying Dane," took charge of France. Training began in Denmark and a revolutionary mast was designed. But in 1972, while under tow between ports and loaded with several masts, France swerved and sank in 20 meters of water. She was refloated days later, bearing lasting damage.

Restored in time for the 1974 challenge, France was helmed by Jean-Marie Le Guillou but lost the selection trials to Australia’s Southern Cross (KA-4).

In 1977, with their new yacht France II (F-2) underperforming, AFCA returned to France (F-1). Watertight cockpits and a revised sail plan brought her back to competition. With Bruno Troublé at the helm, she won several challenger trial regattas—AFCA’s first—but did not advance to the finals.

Continued Service and Preservation (1980–1992)

In 1980, France (F-1) served as a trial horse for France III (F-3). By 1984, she was loaned to the Geneva challenge and renamed Helvetia. She narrowly survived a fire at her storage site and was returned to France.

From 1984 to 1992, France was entrusted to the French Naval Academy for training young naval officers in Brittany.

In 1992, Culture Minister Jack Lang officially designated France (F-1) a Historic Monument. She made one final sailing appearance that year in Brest, joined by Eric Tabarly, then was decommissioned and stored on her cradle for 20 years.

Restoration and Revival (2011–2013)

In 2011, Bruno Bich, Bruno Troublé, Thierry Verneuil, and Bernard Le Saout launched a campaign to restore France (F-1). With support from the French Naval Academy, the Ministry of Culture and Heritage, the Beneteau Foundation, and others, she was transported to the Chantier Naval de Vilaine in Arzal.

The restoration was led by Emmanuel Darviot and naval architect Jacques Fauroux. Key work included:

  • New deck beams and fittings

  • A rebuilt rudder

  • Overhauled trimming systems

  • Full repainting in her original 1970 livery

Thanks to her mahogany hull and the original craftsmanship of Egger Shipyard, her structural condition remained excellent after more than 40 years.

Return to Racing and Ongoing Legacy (2013–Present)

In 2013, France (F-1) returned to the water, fulfilling Marcel Bich’s vision of a yacht passed down across generations. She now races regularly with veteran and younger sailors alike.

In 2020, she celebrated her 50th anniversary at the Régates Royales in Cannes. Today, based in Hyères, she continues to compete in prestigious classic yacht regattas.

France is owned by the AFCA and partnered with the Yacht Club de France. Like Pourquoi Pas (Commandant Charcot), Saint-Michel (Jules Verne), Ailée (Virginie Hériot), and Pen Duick (Éric Tabarly), France (F-1) is part of France’s great nautical heritage—and proudly classified as a Historic Monument.