Vendée Globe

The new 60-foot monohull on board which Yann Eliès will be sailing in the next Vendée Globe in the colours of Generali was unveiled yesterday at the Multiplast yard in Vannes. It was in the prestigious company of the guest sponsor, Zinedine Zidane, that the overjoyed skipper presented this latest generation boat designed by the famous design team established by Jean-Marie Finot.

Bare black carbon, with some straight lines already giving us an idea of her speed, the Generali monohull, currently being built at the Multiplast yards in Vannes, could not fail to impress the many journalists and guests, who were present on Tuesday for this visit. «This boat represents the latest stage in the evolution of monohulls designed with a single-handed circumnavigation in mind,», explained Yann Eliès. Designed by the Finot Group of architects, which were also behind the design of the winners of the last four Vendée Globe races, Generali focuses on speed with a chine-built wide hull stretching out towards the bow. Yann, twice co-holder of the Jules Verne Trophy (outright crewed round the world record), has also been attentive to the protection of his cockpit, to enable him to work on deck in all weathers: «In such a competitive event facing all sorts of weather in the deep south, we cannot manoeuvre while taking any risks. Ease of handling is essential, and I intend to spend a lot of time at the helm and trimming, so this question had to be worked on,» stressed the yachtsman.

Working together towards a common goal
Yann has chosen to set his team up in the yard’s own premises, which are around a hundred metres or so from the design studio. «New techniques of communication can offer a lot, but there’s nothing like direct contact, so that’s why being close is something I appreciate,» he explained. The architect Pascal Conq underlined this, saying that for him: «It’s true that being close at hand is one of the key features of the way this project works, but we also need to consider how much Yann himself and his team will be involved, as there are permanent discussions between us.» The same feelings were expressed by one of the yard’s bosses, Yann Penfornis, who praised the professionnalism and fine atmosphere between all those involved in the project… This is an important element given that building such a high-tech craft as Generali require around fifty people and more than 20,000 hours of work. This impressive collection of skills and know-how should allow Yann to take advantage of the best conditions possible to be able to face the great adventure that lies ahead: the Vendée Globe, the single-handed non-stop round the world race without assistance, which will start in November 2008. He will be seeing a childhood dream come true, and carrying out the most ambitious project that an ocean racer and his partners can accomplish… The launch of the 60’ Generali is planned for the end of March.

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