This is it, Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard’s maxi-trimaran Spindrift 2 has been launched in Vannes (Brittany) after the appropriate modifications the boat underwent after the decision to attempt to break the new Jules Verne Trophy record, or the crewed circumnavigation of the globe in the shortest possible time. A record that belongs precisely to the maxi trimaran, when, however, it was still called Banque Populaire V and was captained by Loïck Peyron, which took 45 days, 13 hours, 42 minutes and 53 seconds in 2012. A time that needs James Bond-worthy technological upgrades to be beaten.
SEE PHOTOS FROM THE LAUNCH OF SPINDRIFT 2
WEIGHTS FILED TO THE MILLIGRAM
Like the 42-meter carbon mast (25% lighter than its predecessor), a new set of sails, deck gear stripped down to the bare bones, and borderline manic weight filing below deck (e.g., all sail bags were changed coming in at a savings of 35 kg).
THE PROGRAM.
From now until July Guichard and co. will train aboard Spindrift, then the first major test at the 46th Fastnet (605 miles from Cowes to Plymouth via the mythical Fastnet Rock and the Isles of Scilly) in August. From September to October again training and finally the big attempt for the Jules Verne Trophy, starting from the island of Ouessant, Brittany and circumnavigating the world via the Cape of Good Hope Leeuwin and Horn.
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET.
Central hull length 40 m
Side hull length 37 m
Beam max. 23 m
Displacement 21.50 t
Draught 5.10 m
Maximum height 45 m
Tree height 42 m
Mainsail 405 m²
Gennaker large 560 m²
Medium Gennaker 450 m²
Gennaker mini 360 m²
Jib 260 m²
Staysail 170 m²
ORC 75 m²
