Because the aim of this refit was to bring the boat up to date to contend with the newer ones, Véolia is being fitted with a new mast, redesigned appendages and an increased sail surface. Albert Bargues,the project manager: «It was a challenge, as everything was new: a new team, a title sponsor, a new project.» Out of all the boats he has worked on, he has never seen such attention to detail and perfectionism. That is the reason why «the gestation took longer than planned,» as Roland explained. «We have really got a great boat. She was good to start off with, as she was quite fast, but we have removed as much weight as possible. It was a major refit and I can’t wait to get back on board.»
This weekend, Roland will be back at the helm of Veolia Environnement aboard which he has not sailed since his victory in the Route du Rhum last November. On board he will be back with Jean-Luc Nélias, his co-skipper for the season , with whom he will test the various modifications that have been made. On 9th August, the monohull will moor in Cowes to get ready for the start of the famous Fastnet Race on 12th August.