Vendée Globe

The launch of the new SAFRAN monohull, in which Marc Guillemot will take part in the next Vendée Globe is planned for the first half of 2007. For the moment, following the tank tests that were carried out in May, the hull of the new 60’ SAFRAN monohull is gradually taking shape in the Larros Boatyard in Arcachon. The shell of the hull is finished and the mould is being manufactured.

Among the fifty or so hulls tested on the computer, the designers chose three keels, which were the basis of models built for tank tests. These took place in the Wolfson Unit MTIA tank in Southampton, England. The aim of these trials was to confirm the theoretical data by obtaining more precise details and allowing the behaviour of the hull in the water to be studied. At the end of this cycle, the shape of the keel was perfected and the final keel could be drawn up. It was at the end of this preparatory stage that work could begin on the boat’s construction. Meanwhile, the boatyard has begun work on the basic deck mould. Then, it will be time to build the compartments, ballast tanks, daggerboard casing, rudders and forward centreboards before assembling the hull and deck, which is due to take place this autumn. Marc Guillemot : «The whole team is busy. We’re currently working on the deck layout. The fact that we have a scale 1 model in the yard is a great help. At the moment, the designers are studying the shape of the appendages, and Erwan Conan is looking into the new ballast system. We’re on schedule for the work that was planned.» Meanwhile, Marc Guillemot is busy training on a hired monohull (the former Kingfisher and Skandia) aboard which he will be entering the forthcoming Route du Rhum.

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