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October 17, 2006Norbert Sedlacek’s boat back in Vendée.

Norbert Sedlacek’s 60’ monohull "Austria One" is back in Vendée, at Port Bourgenay. Since arriving in the port on the Atlantic coast of France following a week’s work to remove the electronics and deck fittings, the yachtsman’s support team have begun work on the keel, which needs to be replaced. Norbert hopes to get the boat back in the water in a few months, so he may begin his new Vendée Globe 2008 project.
Let down by his keel, the Austrian had to retire from the last Vendée Globe on 6th December 2004.

October 16, 2006Father Jaouen gives his blessing to Jérémie Beyou’s 60-footer

Jérémie Beyou’s brand new monohull Delta Dore was blessed on Saturday by Father Jaouen, before being christened in brilliant sunshine by the two most senior employees of the company, in front of more than 700 people, most of whom worked for Delta Dore. Launched back in September, the monohull is ready and Jérémie is preparing for his first solo Atlantic crossing.
\"It’s a very emotional moment. An important moment in my life, when reality has overtaken the dream,\" declared Joël Renault, CEO of Delta Dore, who was determined that Father Jaouen should bless the monohull. The two men met, when Joël Renault was still a student. \"He left an impression on me, \" he explained talking about the man, who for forty years with his association and his boat \"le Bel Espoir\" has enabled dozens of youngsters to sail and encouraged many others to do the same. More than a blessing, Father Jaouen wanted to add his comments to this special event: \"You are part of a community. The boat has brought you together. It would be perfect if this racing boat continues to unite you in perfect harmony together. A boat helps bring people together. This one has already managed that, let her be the symbol of that unity. We are behind her and her skipper, and they will never be alone,\" declared Father Jaouen. Then the matron of honour Pascale Vaudeuil and the patron, Patrick Hubert, added their comments enthusiastically. \"We represent all those people lined up on the quay. We will share your excitement Jérémie, we’re off on a long voyage with you.\" Jérémie could not hide his emotion and beamed : \"I know I can rely on your support. The wind is blowing strongly from Bonnemain! Thanks to you all !\"

October 05, 2006Six skippers at the single-handed yachting training school

Six IMOCA monohull skippers have been on a single-handed yachting training programme since Tuesday at the Finistère ocean yachting centre. Jean Pierre Dick, Marc Guillemot, Roland Jourdain, Jean Le Cam, Armel Le Cléac´h and Vincent Riou are taking part in this general refresher course before the Route du Rhum. Three classes with 4 to 6 hours of sailing are planned. The main goal is to create automatic response reactions for manoeuvres and steering by placing the skipper in situations where they need to be particularly focussed and energetic on long haul races. After each sailing session, a debriefing will allow everyone to watch the footage filmed on board and to discuss the various methods used.

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!»