Frence Kiss 12 F 7

Built in 1985 | International Third Rule | America's Cup Challenger

Overview:
French Kiss (F-7) was launched in 1985, a purpose-built 12 Metre yacht designed to compete under the International Third Rule for the 1987 America’s Cup. With sleek lines, bold innovation, and the full backing of a French corporate sponsor, she quickly became one of the most talked-about Twelves of her generation.

America’s Cup Challenger: 1985–1987

Owner: Challenge Kis France / Clipper’s & Associates
Home Port: La Rochelle, France
French Kiss was the only 12mR built (from a pair designed) for the French challenge in the 1987 America’s Cup. With a substantial budget of approximately US$9 million—fully underwritten by the photographic company KIS—she represented a modern and technically ambitious approach to Cup racing.

  • Designer: Philippe Briand

  • Skipper/Manager: Marc Pajot

  • Computational R&D: Dassault (led by Philippe Perrier and Daniel Chamette)

    • Notably, the team used flow and pressure simulations—eschewing traditional tank or wind tunnel testing.

French Kiss was optimized for wind conditions above 15 knots, showing exceptional performance and surprising the field with her speed. She placed 5th at the 1986 12mR World Championship, and advanced to the semi-finals of the Louis Vuitton Challenger Trials, where she was eventually eliminated by New Zealand’s KZ-7.

Mediterranean Racer: 1987–1999

  • 1987–1994: STCA – Saint Tropez, France

  • 1995–1999: Codara S.A. (Albert Khodara) – Marseille, France

F-7 was refurbished with updated sails and equipment, finding new life on the Mediterranean racing circuit. Highlights include:

  • 1996: Winner – Coppa d’Europa & Rolex Cup (Saint Tropez)

  • 1997: 2nd – Coppa d’Europa, 1st – Rolex Cup

  • 1999: 3rd – 12mR World Championship

Early 2000s & Adaptive Sailing Initiative

  • 2000–2006: Corrado Fratini – Marina di Carrara, Italy

    • Competed sporadically until being stored.

  • 2006–2007: Associazione Idea Argo (Antonio Spinelli)
    French Kiss was brought into a unique program aimed at training sailors with disabilities for elite-level competition. She won the 12mR Class at Saint Tropez in 2006. Although the initiative showed promise, it was discontinued at the end of 2007.

Recent Years: 2007–Present

  • 2007–2021: Markus Daniel – Marina di Carrara, Italy

    • Upgraded with a new mast and boom in 2009.

  • 2021–Present: Christophe Babule – Nice, France

Today, French Kiss (F-7) continues to turn heads with her pedigree and performance, a proud symbol of French innovation in the storied 12 Metre class.