Issued by France in 1963, this dynamic 0.30-franc commemorative celebrates the World Water Ski Championships held in Vichy. The design by Pierre Gandon features a powerful engraved illustration of a slalom water-skier cutting sharply around a buoy, rendered in fine detail with contrasting red and deep green tones. A classic example of mid-century French sports philately, it highlights both artistic engraving and national pride in hosting an international sporting event. Highly desirable for collectors of sports, water-skiing, French commemoratives, and 1960s engraved issues.