A Season Starting with a Bang for Our 49er World Champions!
Published on Xavier Phélipon Organisation's blog on 26/02/2026 - La Rochelle
They promised to come back stronger. They delivered. Erwan Fischer and Clément Péquin are off to an absolutely exceptional start to the 2026 season, once again proving why they proudly carry the title of 2024 49er World Champions.
Two regattas, two victories, zero doubt — the season is off to a flying start.
Photo : Guilain Grenier / FFVoile
Lanzarote, Marseille… Already at the Top
The duo struck hard first in Lanzarote, winning the international regatta against strong competition. Then it was on to Marseille for the 2026 French Elite Championship, where they once again imposed themselves with authority to claim the national title.
A perfect scorecard that sets the tone ahead of the biggest event of the year: the 49er World Championships, to be held in Quiberon from 12 to 17 May 2026.
We asked Erwan to share his thoughts on these first intense weeks of the season. He answered with the honesty and passion that define him:
"We kicked off the 2026 season with a major training block in Lanzarote, in ideal conditions to log hours on the water and get back into the groove. It was also a real pleasure to return there after our 2024 World Championship title, with the desire to build on that momentum. The work we put in over the winter quickly paid off — we won the first regatta of the season right there, which already validates a lot of what we've been working on in our preparation.
We then moved straight on to the 2026 French Elite Championship in Marseille, where we also claimed the title. This was an important milestone for us, as it also marked the delivery of our new boat. We made full use of the facilities to take precise measurements and push forward on all aspects of equipment optimisation.
In particular, we worked on Allen deck hardware with different pulley and turning block systems to improve the smoothness and efficiency of our manoeuvres. We also optimised friction zones through the use of Protect Tape adhesives, adding PTFE-coated surfaces in key areas, with the goal of gaining both performance and long-term reliability."
Photo : Guilain Grenier / FFVoile
Performance and Reliability: The Winning Formula
What clearly stands out from this early season is the depth of work carried out on boat optimisation. At the highest level, every detail matters — and this duo leaves nothing to chance.
Allen deck hardware — blocks, turning blocks, fairleads — plays a central role in the smoothness of manoeuvres aboard a 49er, where every fraction of a second can make the difference. Combined with Protect Tape adhesives to reduce friction and reinforce the durability of high-wear areas, it is a winning combination tested and validated at the very highest level of international competition. Clamcleat cleats complete the equipment we supply them with, along with the new titanium trapeze handle coming soon CL290
The new Titanium Trapeze cleat CL290 By CLAMCLEAT
Photo : C.BRESCHI
See You in Quiberon in May!
The entire Allen and Protect Tape team will be cheering Erwan and his crew on at the 49er World Championships in Quiberon, from 12 to 17 May 2026. A major event, on home waters, with all the pressure and excitement that brings.
The form is there. The equipment is dialled in. The ambition is intact.
We believe.
Find the full range of Allen deck hardware,CLAMCLEAT and Protect Tape adhesives in our online shop.
All the equipment for your 49er on our page BOAT
