# Albert School makes its debut at the Spi Dauphine **Authors:** Ines Hocine, Noah Segonds **Categories:** Campus Life **Tags:** SPI Dauphine, Voile, Albert Crew, Événement étudiant, Sport **Last Updated:** 2025-11-05T15:53:16.989Z **Reading Time:** 2 min read --- ## Summary Five days in Saint-Tropez, nearly 1,000 students: for its first Spi Dauphine, Albert School braved the rain, executed maneuver after maneuver, and came away with unforgettable memories. --- While papers pile up and exams loom, some chose to set sail: mentally, athletically, collectively. Sun promised, rain delivered: five days to put our motivation to the test. Welcome to the SPI Dauphine, one of France’s biggest student sporting events, bringing together nearly 1,000 students and around fifty crews in the Bay of Saint-Tropez, where you come for the competition, stay for the atmosphere, and leave with memories, a few bruises, and a headache. This year, Albert School took part for the very first time. A landmark debut coordinated by Joseph Abdo, Flore Jaskulke and Victor de l’Epine, who created the Albert Crew association and brought a whole team on board for the adventure. Sport, commitment, and recyclable bottles. On board, there was wind, rain, uncertainty... and, thankfully, Yann, our skipper. A true captain in the storm, he kept the crew on the right track with a mix of technical guidance and good humor. Without him, the week wouldn’t have had the same flavor (or the same trajectory). We’re already eager to team up with him again next year for new adventures. Despite technical issues on our sailboat and raging weather, we held firm and finished 12th out of 45 teams—an honorable performance for a first appearance—with only five races contested. And since we never do things halfway, we also finished 3rd in the beer pitcher contest—an unexpected podium we’re rather proud of. Onboard anecdotes: on our first outing at sea, in driving rain and strong winds, Oscar was nearly thrown overboard, saved at the last second by the safety line. Fun fact: Oscar is still very much alive and did not go overboard—we even have an epic photo! On the bravery front, some found the motivation to jump in for an ice-cold swim. Beyond the anecdotes, it was above all a team forged in the storms: Emilie Paulis, Prisca Nobile, Oscar Mathey, Simon Flasaquier, Ines Hocine, Léo Wang, Constantin Vuillier, Albert Curtil, Vadim Capton, Matheo Pradels, and Sulian Brouard-Heulluy. A team that never let go, even in the rain, amid technical mishaps and bouts of fatigue. Acknowledgments: Thank you to Centric Software for the trust from our very first steps on the water. A nod to Bruce (EMEAR & LATAM Director, Partner Services at Centric), happy owner of a souvenir jacket and privileged witness to our relative elegance in bad weather. Thanks to everyone who supported Albert Crew: thanks to you, this adventure took on another dimension. See you next year—with, hopefully, more sun, full sails, and just as much energy. See you on the starting line! ## Key Takeaways 1. **Albert School** made a strong debut at the **SPI Dauphine** in the **Bay of Saint-Tropez**, showing first‑time crews can compete at a high level. 2. Prepare for volatility: despite **raging weather** and **technical issues**, the team finished **12th out of 45**, proving training and resilience pay off. 3. Prioritize leadership and safety: a capable **skipper** and strict use of **safety lines** and **lifejackets** keep crews on course and protected. 4. Build early and fund smart: create a student club (e.g., **Albert Crew**) and secure **sponsors** like **Centric Software** to cover boats, gear, and logistics. 5. Pack for all conditions and stay sustainable: foul‑weather gear, gloves, and **reusable bottles** are must‑haves—team spirit matters on and off the water. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is the SPI Dauphine student regatta and where is it held? The SPI Dauphine is one of France’s largest student sailing events, typically hosted in the Bay of Saint-Tropez. It brings together around 1,000 students and roughly 50 university crews for several days of racing and onshore activities. ### How can Albert School students join the Albert Crew for the SPI Dauphine? Watch for recruitment announcements from the Albert Crew association on campus channels and social media, then apply for onboard or support roles. Expect a selection process, training sessions, and help with logistics and fundraising ahead of the spring event. ### What sailing experience do you need to race at the SPI Dauphine? Teams often include both beginners and experienced sailors, with a qualified skipper guiding maneuvers and safety. Basic swimming ability, enthusiasm to learn, and pre-regatta practice greatly improve confidence and performance. ### What should I pack for a student regatta in Saint-Tropez? Essentials include non-marking deck shoes, a waterproof jacket and pants, warm mid-layers, sailing gloves, a hat, and sunscreen. Add a headlamp, seasickness remedies, and a reusable water bottle to stay safe and sustainable. ### How are results scored at the SPI Dauphine, and how did Albert School perform? Results are typically based on cumulative finishes across multiple races, with schedules adjusted if weather reduces the number of heats. In its debut, Albert School placed 12th out of 45 teams despite heavy weather and technical issues. ### How do student teams find sponsors for the SPI Dauphine? Approach companies with a clear budget and visibility plan—logos on gear, social content, and event exposure to student audiences. Align with CSR themes like sustainability; Albert Crew partnered with Centric Software to support its first campaign. ### Is the SPI Dauphine safe for beginners? What safety measures are used? Safety briefings, mandatory lifejackets, safety lines, and experienced skippers help manage risk in rough conditions. Race officials monitor weather and can shorten or cancel races to keep crews safe. --- *Article from [Albert's Deep Dive](https://deepdive.albertschool.com) - Albert School's Journal*