Here’s how the super designer of INEOS wants to revolutionize the racing world

Thomas Tison, designer behind the successful INEOS Britannia, is no stranger to coming up with out-of-the-box solutions and ideas. So when he thought about how to offer new a racing circuit to the owners of his wood and carbon super daysailer, l’Été, he did it his way. Thus was born the Mediterranean Sailing Selection, an innovative mix combining offshore racing, course records and cruising along the Mediterranean’s most fascinating coastlines.

How the Mediterranean Sailing Selection was born.

For Tison, traditional regatta circuits risk harnessing sailing into too rigid patterns, sacrificing the thrill of exploration, the taste of the challenge against time, and the allure of those iconic events that leave their mark on history. His goal with the Mediterranean Sailing Selection is to bring the essence of sailing back to the center, allowing owners to experience the sea with freedom, without the limitations imposed by overly stringent rules or boats that become obsolete with the passage of time.

This initiative is aimed at a diverse audience, consisting not only of L’Été owners, but also owners of classic yachts, foiling boats, including dinghies, and boats designed to break speed records. The idea is to create a circuit where competition and the pleasure of sailing can coexist, offering experiences ranging from challenges against the clock to long offshore sailing.

The heart of the circuit: L’Été

At the center of this revolution is L’Été, a boat that perfectly embodies the balance between technology, craftsmanship and performance. Built in wood and carbon, this super daysailer is designed for those who want a classy, elegant yet innovative boat, capable of tackling long crossings but also delivering moments of pure fun and adrenaline. Designed according to Category A regulations, L’Été was born for those who love the sea in all its facets, without having to compromise between speed, safety and comfort.

A versatile and inclusive circuit

The Mediterranean Sailing Selection is designed to offer an extremely flexible sailing experience, capable of adapting to the needs of owners with different boats and ambitions. The circuit is developed around three basic pillars, each designed to enhance a specific aspect of sailing.

Offshore racing is the most challenging part, testing sailors’ endurance and technical skills in open sea environments where conditions can change rapidly and require sophisticated sailing strategies. Those seeking a challenge against the clock, on the other hand, can try their hand at course records, individual competitions along predetermined routes that allow them to push the boat to its maximum performance and set new records. Finally, for those who like to combine competition with the pleasure of sailing, the circuit also includes cruises through some of the Mediterranean’s most fascinating destinations, combining a taste for discovery with the allure of a sailing trip.

The Mediterranean Records Network

One of the most innovative elements of the Mediterranean Sailing Selection is the creation of the Mediterranean Records Network, a fully digital network that allows owners to record and compare their performances in real time. Starting May 1, 2025, four routes, two coastal and two offshore, will be officially opened , connecting Monaco Bay to dream destinations such as Saint-Tropez, Saint-Tropez, Calvi, and Mahon.

Through a digital platform, it will be possible to register for trials, record one’s attempts via GPS, and upload results within minutes. Each record will be automatically verified by a data analysis system, ensuring transparency and speed in the validation processes. A real-time updated ranking system will allow participants to challenge themselves at any time, without having to wait for specific events or favorable weather conditions.

This platform, however, is not exclusively reserved for Été owners. The network is also open to classic yachts designed before 1950, foiling boats and so-called record machines, boats built specifically to break sailing records, as well as small high-performance dinghies. The goal is to create a dynamic and inclusive community, capable of bringing together sailors with different backgrounds and experiences, but united by the same passion for competition and speed.

James Barbaro