After years of studying the currents and wind swirling in the bay near Marseille, France's sailing teams has done all they can to maximize their Olympic advantage.

The sailors are analyzing data about wind, tide, and past regattas to find the most effective strategies. As the host nation, they will be represented at all 10 events.

Guillaume Chiellino said, "Maybe a good piece of advice for other countries is to follow us." He was smiling as he described how, after 20 years of trying to host these Games, the real result left a legacy in France.

Chiellino is not giving anything away at the sixth Games.

He said that "we have worked hard to learn the tricks of playing the game" in Marseille's brand new sailing center, which may well be the largest one on the planet.

He said that, "normally, people claim there is no water current in the Mediterranean Sea, but there has been more in Marseille in recent years, particularly."

The French duo of Charline Picon and Sarah Steyaert won bronze in the women's skiff class.

Chiellino stated that "our best results were three medals at Tokyo and Rio... the goal is to get more."

He said that he did not wish to use the words "four, five or six (medals)," because he wanted all 10 teams to be involved in breaking this record. This was a message of inclusion for all team members, including coaches, support staff and sailors.

It would be fantastic if we won two golds, because it would add to our national total. "It will be an amazing achievement for the whole team if we bring back four or five medals," said he.

Chiellino stated that unlike the British government, France does not reveal a target for medals. He added that France had a well-funded campaign, even though they got less money than Britain.

Chiellino estimates that the home advantage is worth 20% to 30%. This includes factors like not having to deal with jet-lag and easy access to training and accommodation.

The French government's support is also a plus.

Chiellino reported that during a recent trip, President Emmanuel Macron had even offered to take up kiteboarding - a sport in which France excels - if their team won the medals at the new competition. Reporting by Alexander Smith, Editing by Ken Ferris

(source: Reuters)