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September 10, 2006Conrad Humphreys aiming for the 2008 Vendée Globe

Conrad Humphreys intends to return to the IMOCA circuit with the ultimate goal of taking part in the 2008 Vendée Globe. Currently looking for a new partner, Conrad will be continuing to compete in his Extreme 40 catamaran in 2007, but will also be embarking on a 60’ Open campaign at the same time. With his contract with Motorola over, Conrad would like to sign with a new partner by the end of the year in order to begin work on his new monohull in the spring of 2007.

September 08, 2006Sill & Véolia to be relaunched on 12th September

After a seven-week refit, Roland Jourdain’s 60-footer Sill et Veolia will be relaunched in Concarneau in Southern Brittany on 12th September. Work has been done to make it easier to handle the boat and some systems have been simplified, with changes being made to the electrical installations. During the month of August, eight craftsmen worked on the red-hulled sixty footer. Her first sea outings are planned for the 18th September, or in other words, a month and a half before the start of the Route du Rhum. Roland Jourdain monitored closely each stage of the work «In particular everything to do with the electronics,» added the skipper, «as I have to know all about the modifications that have been made and get used to how things work.»

September 06, 2006Jean-Jacques Laurent’s emotion

Jean-Jacques Laurent, the CEO of PRB was present for the launch of the new PRB alongside Vincent Riou. They shared the excitement of this moment, particularly during the capsize test. Jean-Jacques Laurent: «It’s a very emotional moment. I really hope that the boat won’t find herself in this position very often. The day went very smoothly, as usual with Vincent and his team. The new PRB looks very powerful, especially when you look at her from three-quarters of the way back. I can’t wait to go sailing for the first few miles with Vincent!»

September 05, 2006Ecover renews its commitment to Mike Golding

Ecover, Mike Golding’s sponsor in the last Vendée Globe, announced today that it is renewing its support for the British yachtsman. This new partnership will take in the 2008 Vendee Globe, which will be Mike’s third participation.
«We have had a very successful association with Mike and his team over the past five years. We have raised our brand awareness substantially through this relationship and look forward to working together in building the brand further, as well as achieving ultimate success on the water,” commented Mick Bremans, Managing Director of Ecover.
«Over the past five years we have been on some great adventures together and there are still many more to come. The Vendee Globe for me remains ‘unfinished’ business and with the support of Ecover, I am confident that we can deliver that top podium position,” commented Golding.

At the same time as announcing this continued partnership, Mike Golding and Ecover also published today full details about a new boat designed by Owen Clarke Design for the 2008 Vendée Globe. This state of the art Open 60 will be built by Hakes Marine in New Zealand and is due to be launched in July 2007.

September 04, 2006Temenos has reached La Rochelle

For more than a week now, La Rochelle harbour has been host to a new 60 footer. Having reached Belgium two days ahead of schedule on board the cargo ship Esmeralda, Dominique Wavre’s monohull TEMENOS was fitted out with a mast and rudders, and equipped with sails. After four days in harbour, the monohull left Zeebrugge with her skipper on board alongside her rigger and sailmaker for her first European trip. Dominique Wavre : « On this first trip, we were able to examine all the ropes, the way they were fitted and check over all the work done in Tauranga. We made a small adjustment to the mast and inspected the angles, the shape of the sails and made sure everything was just right for the Route du Rhum\".

September 04, 2006Gilles Chiorri’s reaction

The project manager of the 60’ Delta Dore, Gilles Chiorri, reacted in the following way just after the launch of the new Vendée Globe competitor: \"This launch is a bit like a check-up, as we shall soon be responsible for the boat, once she has left the JMV yard. What was created on dry land has suddenly become a sea creature, which is far from being a normal situation. In theory, we should begin to feel better now. However, before we become completely at ease, we have to carry out the capsize test, when the boat goes right over, and anything could happen. I hope we don’t break anything, when she is turned over. We have to be careful we don’t harm the men inside (Jérémie Beyou and the inspector – editor’s note). After that, things will be get even more frenetic, as on the same day, we shall be fitting the mast. Then there will be the 90° and 20° tests to examine the stability and performance of the boat. On Friday, we will sail her for the first time, so you can see, it’s a very important week ahead.\"