Hans: Saint-Tropez Is A Special Event For Me

Flight controller Hans Henken reflects on previous success in Saint-Tropez ahead of this week’s ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix

Published 09/8/2025

This week’s ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix is a ‘special event’ for Hans Henken, having been part of the U.S. SailGP Team to win there in Season 3.

Olympic bronze medalist Hans, along with Andrew Campbell and Mac Agnese, was part of the crew that clinched the U.S. SailGP Team’s first-ever win back in 2022.

“Saint-Tropez definitely is a special venue for me,” said Hans. “It was one of my first breakout events where I was able to get on the podium and win. So there are a lot of really good memories in the sailing that takes place in Saint-Tropez.

“That was a weekend of two halves. On Saturday, we had probably the biggest breeze we’d ever had in SailGP until that point - well into the high 20s in terms of wind speed. On Sunday, we had very little wind, if any, at some points.

Hans Henken (2nd left) celebrates with the U.S. SailGP Team after victory in Saint-Tropez in 2022

“There was a lot of momentum building into that week. There were a lot of good learnings from previous events and we were really close to putting it all together. It was my first season as flight controller, so I was getting better with every race and more confident in my ability.

“I went out and absolutely smashed it. It was a fantastic showing for us on that first day, and it really put us in contention on the second day. One of the highlights was there was only one boat in the final able to make a foiling jibe, and that was us. I think a lot of emphasis was put on me to pull off that maneuver and get us into that solid first-place position in that race.

“The rest of the race was so light that there wasn’t much foiling at all, but that sealed the deal for us. A lot of that victory came down to me becoming more confident and more in sync with my position. That played a big role, and that’s why I have a lot of really great memories from that event.”

A returning member of that crew is Andrew who, back in Season 3, was one of the team’s grinders. Having been reunited, Hans says the three-time America’s Cup campaigner has been a huge help.

Mac Agnese (L) and Andrew Campbell (R) were members of the victories 2022 U.S. SailGP Team along with Hans

“Having Andrew on board has been fantastic for our team,” explained Hans. “He brings so much experience, not only from these boats but from the America’s Cup and previously with the U.S. SailGP team.

“Andrew brings fantastic leadership; that perfect level of communication on board the boat that allows us to work together as a team in unison and be more forward-thinking in our racing.

“I think that’s one of the keys for us moving forward: to continue anticipating what’s going to happen and making the most of any situation, keeping the boat at high speed all the time. With Andrew on board, that’s going to continue to be showcased in our racing.”

After going 3-9-4 on Saturday in Sassnitz last time out, Hans is keen to build on the momentum gained in Germany and show it was no one-off for the U.S.

He said: “That wasn’t just an indication of what’s to come - it just goes to show that our level is rising, and we’re starting to put the little pieces together.

“It’s just a matter of, like we did in Season 3, having a complete event, putting it all together on the water, and being consistent in our approach. The results will come from there. I think we’re poised to have that kind of complete event.”

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