Vendée Globe

It was in squally showers that the new PRB was officially named this morning in Les Sables d’Olonne, her home base, by Jacques Laurent, who smashed the traditional bottle of champagne on the boat’s bow. Jacques and Jean Jacques Laurent, the CEO and Managing Director of PRB said a few words to christen this new boat that is decked out in the company’s colours. Vincent Riou, the skipper of the Farr designed boat thanked his partners and gave a summary of the training period he just went through in Port la Foret. Here is what they said:

Vincent Riou : "What is really interesting in such a training session is the possibility of sailing close to others, as the closer you get the more you can work on the boat. I learnt more during these three days than on all her previous trips. It showed me that the boats belonging to the generation of the old PRB are being left behind today. I managed to keep up with the boats from the previous generation, in spite of the fact that they have been fine-tuned, whereas that is not yet the case for PRB. A training session allows you to learn a lot about the use of the ballast for example, and the way the boat rides, and the trimming of the sails.
The naming ceremony is always a great moment for all those, who have been involved in the project. It’s the moment when you can sit back and take a look at all that has been done. I’m pleased that Jacques Laurent has named this boat."


Jacques Laurent, who officially named the boat
“It was important for me to be able to name the fourth PRB. She is a powerful boat, well built and finished, and that is something important for a construction company like ours. I’m particularly happy that Vincent is the boat’s skipper. He is someone, who is honest, upright, calm and he has become a true friend.



Interview with Sébastien Josse, who was also present at the naming ceremony.

«The boat is well built, she was finely crafted from the outset. There is a perfect compromise between technical progress and the timing for the Vendée Globe. She’s right on time. I like the way she was designed. You can feel the power at your feet. Having said that, with Vincent Riou, we haven’t really sailed in boats from the latest generation. So we’re going from a 205 to a Porsche. I’m really looking forward to taking part in the Barcelona World Race alongside Vincent. We’ll be one of the crews that has sailed the most together. It’s going to be an important moment together, as Vincent accepts and welcomes criticisms to sort things out and improve his boat still further.»

Previous news items :