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Vacation Altercation: French President Jumps Aboard Photogs Boat

French President Nicolas Sarkozy lost his temper with two American news photographers covering his Lake Winnipesaukee vacation yesterday, jumping onto their boat and scolding them loudly in French.

The confrontation came as Sarkozy and companions were headed for open water in a boat on Lake Winnipesaukee when he spotted Associated Press photographer Jim Cole aboard Cole's boat, which was outside a buoy barrier monitored by the New Hampshire Marine Patrol.

Before Sarkozy spotted him, Cole had driven his boat up to the patrol boat, identified himself and received permission to be there.

Hours earlier, Sarkozy had spoken to reporters and said in French, "I am naturally ready to answer all your questions, and maybe afterward you will resume covering the news and other topics, and leave me tranquilly with my family."

After Cole and DeWitt promised to stop shooting photos for the day, Sarkozy calmed down, reboarded his boat and continued out onto the lake with his party, followed by a boat carrying U.S. Secret Service agents.

Now we have been known to spend some time on Lake Winnie, and we can tell you first hand it is hard to lose your temper in such a tranquil environment. However, following the red buoy black buoy boating rules can take some concentration, so maybe, just maybe, the French president was upset at the photogs disregard for New Hampshire buoy law? Just a guess.

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