A ONCE in a lifetime experience was had by one lucky Weymouth Sailing Club member.

Rima Bugler and husband Mark had sailed to Portsmouth on their yacht, Saskia VII to view the Americas Cup World Series.

Keen to meet the French AC 45 sailing star, Franck Cammas, the pair attended a question and answer session by Groupama Team France.

On arrival at the conference, they were presented with drinks, canapés and a numbered wristband.

The wristband indicated a raffle ticket number with the ultimate prize, a race on board Groupama on Super Sunday.

Much to Rima’s surprise, she won the raffle and the opportunity sail with Franck and his team.

She was supplied with Groupama Musto branded foul weather gear, a helmet and body armour and transferred to a French team rib accompanied by Mark.

The wind strength got up to around 15 knots with the AC 45s foiling out of the water at speeds greater than 30 knots.

Big disappointment then hit as it was deemed too windy for the guests to go on board.

However, with 20 minutes before the start of the race, Rima was told that she was urgently required by team Groupama.

Rima said: “It was a real privilege to sail on a boat with sailing legends such as Franck Cammas.

“I never dreamt that as a retired grandmother I would have the opportunity to compete at the highest level in World sailing, at speeds of 30 knots on a foiling AC 45 catamaran.

“Thanks are due to Franck Cammas, the Groupama French Sailing Team and sponsor, Musto, for making me feel so welcome.”

The Buglers are now hoping to sail down to Lorient to visit the Groupama team headquarters later in August.