France’s Formula 18 Association (AFF18) has been part of the wonderful adventure of the St Barth Cata Cup since its beginnings in 2008. In the interest of getting the word out about the regatta to members of the class, the idea came to offer a spot to the crew who finished first in the amateur ranking of the F18 National Cup.

Since then, the AFF18 and the St Barth Cata Cup partner to offer an invitation to the winning crew.

This year, the National Cup Duc D’Albe will take place from September 22 to 24, 2017 in Hyères, France. « For 2017, the French class will return to its roots », explains James Baeckler, president of the AFF18. « The Cup will take place in September with a raid around the Hyères islands in the Mediterranean. This will be the perfect opportunity to prepare for the 10th edition of the Cata Cup in waters nearly as warm and blue as those of St-Barth ! »