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Nico d'Estais and Café Joyeux, a new project for the 2028 Vendée Globe!

In the middle of summer, the project quietly took shape. Few days ago, Nicolas d'Estais' yellow IMOCA was launched in Lorient: Benjamin Ferré's former boat (ex-Monnoyeur – DUO for a Job), which now displays the colours of Café Joyeux.

Launched in 2011, this Verdier design is none other than a former Vendée Globe winner: it was with this boat that François Gabart won the 2012 edition. Twelve years later, it is enjoying a new lease of life in the hands of Nico d'Estais. Having competed in the Mini 6.50 from 2015 and then the Class40 from 2021, the skipper is taking a new step forward and entering the ‘big league’.

His first IMOCA race will take place today, during the Défi Azimut, on the speed runs. The adventure is just beginning – we'll tell you more about this new project very soon!

Nico d'Estais

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