To The Bank
You faithful SA readers probably remember that I previously mentioned the fact that both Francis Joyon and Thomas Coville were, if not officially yet, wrapping up new giant multihulls projects… Presumably, things are still underway even though Thomas is currently sailing aboard Ellen's B&Q in Asia (taking some notes for his own boat, maybe ???). And of course, no one has forgotten that Franck Cammas also has a new Groupama in store : the 32 metres trimaran will be launched on June 7, and I'll keep you posted on that.

Anyway, big news hit us yesterday when the Banque Populaire confirmed some rumours that had been hangin' around the pontoons lately: they also are going to build a record-breaking maxi-multi, which will be skippered by Pascal Bidégorry, current ORMA champion (and incidentally winner of the last Transat Jacques Vabre, and of the 2000 Solitaire du Figaro). For the moment, nothing particular has been revealed (will it be a tri or a cat ? built where ? designed by who ?), except for the fact that the machine will hit the water sometime in 2008. Guess the record scene will be quite a thrill by then, and it would be a shame if no one organised a special event for those giant mile-eaters. Imagine 6 or 7 of these big guys on a starting line…

Oh, and did I tell you that multihull legend Loïck Peyron had been appointed team manager for Gitana? These guys now have two ORMA tris (they bought Jean Le Cam's Bonduelle a few months ago), and also have purchased the Kingfisher maxi-cat (former Orange) from Offshore Challenges. What if this boat was destined to undergo a major refit and upgrade, to join the circuit?

Jocelyn Bleriot
Course au Large

Pic : Pascal Bidégorry's Nigel Irens-designed 60 footer courtesy of Yvan Zedda - banque Populaire

05/05/05