FIRST 45 - SUCCESSFUL START FOR THE NEW BENETEAU “LADY COURRIER”
Successful start for the new First 45 “Lady Courrier”.
The first races took place in La Trinite Sur Mer over the weekend February 9th and 10th 2008.
Following the launching of the First 45 straight from the factory that took place at the beginning of February, “Lady Courier” was delivered from Lorient to La Trinite the day before the start of the Spring regattas. The boat was delivered, under sunny skies, on a long beat with a 10 knots breeze. During this 30 miles delivery upwind, the yacht showed us how well balanced she is, and gave the helmsmen good sensations!
During the following 2 days, Gery Trentesaux’ crew (who previously was the owner of First 44.7 “Courrier du Coeur) were preparing the F45 ready to race. Philippe Briand, the F45’s designer, was also there to encourage and support the team.
Now “Lady Courrier” has landed I Australia to take part in the Sydney to Hobart accompanied by its crew. (Below is some back ground information on the crew) 

Géry TRENTESAUX Skipper
- Figaro 1982 – 1985 – 1989
- Admiral Cup 1979 – 1981 – 1983 – 2003
- Rolex Commodore’s Cup 2002 – 2004 – 2006 – 2008 and French Team Leader.  Winner on 2004 and 2006
- Fastnet winner on IRC 1 and IRC 0, on « Courrier Nord » 2001 and «Courrier du Cœur » 2007
- 10ème « La Route du Rhum » 2006 – Class 40 on « Courrier de Nuit »
- 2008 Spi Ouest winner - Scottish Series winner.
Antoine TRENTESAUX
- Fastnet 2001 winner IRC 1
- Fastnet 2007 winner IRC 0
- Edhec winner 2008.

Nicolas TRENTESAUX
- Fastnet 2001 and 2007 winner
- Edhec winner 2008
- Scottish Series winner 2008.

François LAMIOT
- Figaro 1987 – 1988 – 1990 – 1991 – 1992 – 1993
- Acc on ville de Paris 1992
- Fastnet winner 2001 – 2007
- Rolex Commodore’s Cup 2002 – 2004 -2006 – 2008.

Arnaud AUBRY Boat Captain
- Fastnet 2001 – 2007 winner
- Transat Jacques Vabre 9ème
- Rolex Commodore’s Cup 2002 – 2004 – 2006 – 2008.

Jean-Luc BALE
- White Bread on Penduick 6
- Rolex Commodore’s Cup 2006 – 2008
- Fastnet winner 2007.
      
Loïc MERLIN
- Fastnet 2007
- Mini Transat
- Rolex Commodore’s Cup 2006 – 2008.

Pierre GHEWY
- Fastnet winner 2001 – 2007
- Rolex Commodore’s Cup 2002 – 2004 – 2006 – 2008.

Lionel LEMONCHOIS
- Overall Route du Rhum, winner on 2006 with “Gitana”
- 2ème Transat AG2RT 2006.

Dominic VITTET
- Figaro winner 1993
- 2ème AG2R 2006
- 2ème Transat Jacques Vabre 2007
- 1000 Miles 2007 winner
- Acc 2002 on ”Aréva”.

Pierre-Yves LAUTROU
- Mini Transat.

Julien DEMERSON
- IRC 2 UNCL Championship on ”Musix”.