Showing posts with label Spindrift Racing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Spindrift Racing. Show all posts
Friday, 6 July 2018
Photos of some deck details on maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 by Jason Gard
Thanks to Jason Gard, I'm able to share some detail photos of Spindrift 2 showing some of the systems like steering quadrants, lashings and composite fittings that are not often shown in any detail.
Friday, 5 June 2015
Francis Joyon on the new IDEC trimaran (formerly Groupama3/BPVII) to make attempt to better Jules Verne record
Francis Joyon has announced that he will attempt to better the Jules Verne record currently held by Banque Populaire V on his new trimaran the former G3. He is going to make the attempt with a relatively smaller crew of just six.
http://www.mysailing.com.au/news/francis-joyon-to-tackle-crewed-around-the-world-record
Spindrift Racing also have their eyes on the prize and are going to go on standby around the same time on the specially modified 40 metre trimaran Spindrift 2 which is now sporting a new mast and various tweaks to enable the boat to be sailed by less crew.
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2015/06/reaction-from-yann-guichard-to-francis-joyons-announcement/
http://www.mysailing.com.au/news/francis-joyon-to-tackle-crewed-around-the-world-record
Spindrift Racing also have their eyes on the prize and are going to go on standby around the same time on the specially modified 40 metre trimaran Spindrift 2 which is now sporting a new mast and various tweaks to enable the boat to be sailed by less crew.
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2015/06/reaction-from-yann-guichard-to-francis-joyons-announcement/
Monday, 13 April 2015
Spindrift Racing win first event of the DIAM24 trimaran season (SpiQuest France)
SpiOuest France - Victory for Spindrift - The... by virtualregatta
And a gallery of photos on photographer Phillipe Plisson's blog featuring the DIAM24 trimaran teams in action:
http://www.philip-plisson-blog.com/2015/04/spi-2015-les-trimarans-diam-24-entrent-en-scene.html?utm_source=flux&utm_medium=flux-rss&utm_campaign=photography
Tuesday, 24 March 2015
Spindrift Racing update, new mast under construction for maxi Spindrift 2
From the following press release by Spindrift Racing:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2015/03/le-nouveau-mat-de-spindrift-2-un-travail-dorfevre/
Spindrift racing’s sailors and hundreds of others will return to competition from April 2nd to 6th for the famous Spi Ouest-France, which is held every year over the Easter weekend at La Trinité-sur-Mer. Behind the scenes, the black and gold team members are busily preparing for this event and many more. The team have an action-packed schedule in 2015, with monohull races on the Diam 24, D35 and GC32 circuits and a Jules Verne Trophy record attempt next winter, for which the giant Spindrift 2 is currently being prepared. In anticipation of this most extreme of all around-the-world record attempts, the team has already achieved some incredible feats, such as building a new 42 m mast.
Work on the mould for the new mast began at CDK Technologies in Port-la-Forêt in June 2014. Delivery is scheduled for May, almost a year after the work – done entirely by hand – began. The planning and pre-engineering studies began even earlier, at the end of 2013, when the trimaran was first acquired by the team.
read more here
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2015/03/le-nouveau-mat-de-spindrift-2-un-travail-dorfevre/
Spindrift racing’s sailors and hundreds of others will return to competition from April 2nd to 6th for the famous Spi Ouest-France, which is held every year over the Easter weekend at La Trinité-sur-Mer. Behind the scenes, the black and gold team members are busily preparing for this event and many more. The team have an action-packed schedule in 2015, with monohull races on the Diam 24, D35 and GC32 circuits and a Jules Verne Trophy record attempt next winter, for which the giant Spindrift 2 is currently being prepared. In anticipation of this most extreme of all around-the-world record attempts, the team has already achieved some incredible feats, such as building a new 42 m mast.
Work on the mould for the new mast began at CDK Technologies in Port-la-Forêt in June 2014. Delivery is scheduled for May, almost a year after the work – done entirely by hand – began. The planning and pre-engineering studies began even earlier, at the end of 2013, when the trimaran was first acquired by the team.
read more here
Saturday, 24 January 2015
Spindrift Racing update, team prepare maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 for attempt to improve Jules Verne record in 2015
From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2015/01/2015-let-the-adventure-begin/
On 6th January 2012, just over three years ago, the Jules Verne Trophy record was beaten for the seventh time in its history. A new record for sailing around the world without stopping via the three capes was beaten by 14 sailors aboard the largest trimaran ever to be built. The crew travelled 40,000 km around the world in 45 ½ days, just over half the time that Jules Verne famously gave to Phileas Fogg.
Spindrift racing is planning to use the same boat to shave more time off what is considered to be the most extreme record against the clock for crewed sailing boats. The team has been working meticulously and creatively to achieve this goal for several months. Now, as 2015 gets underway, this monumental challenge is taking shape every day.
read more here
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2015/01/2015-let-the-adventure-begin/
On 6th January 2012, just over three years ago, the Jules Verne Trophy record was beaten for the seventh time in its history. A new record for sailing around the world without stopping via the three capes was beaten by 14 sailors aboard the largest trimaran ever to be built. The crew travelled 40,000 km around the world in 45 ½ days, just over half the time that Jules Verne famously gave to Phileas Fogg.
Spindrift racing is planning to use the same boat to shave more time off what is considered to be the most extreme record against the clock for crewed sailing boats. The team has been working meticulously and creatively to achieve this goal for several months. Now, as 2015 gets underway, this monumental challenge is taking shape every day.
read more here
 |
| The Spindrift Racing team are preparing Spindrift 2 to attempt to improve the Jules Verne Record time, photo courtesy Spindrift Racing |
Sunday, 26 October 2014
Spindrift Racing update, Yann Guichard and Spindrift 2 maxi trimaran in St Malo awaiting start of the Route du Rhum
From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/10/francais-yann-guichard-et-spindrift-2-dans-les-starting-blocks-a-saint-malo/
- The maxi-trimaran Spindrift 2 arrived in Saint-Malo this morning, docking at the Gare Maritime.
- Yann Guichard feels in great shape and is ready to go.
- Information about Spindrift racing’s activities in the race village.
- How to follow Yann Guichard and Spindrift 2 during the race.
Never in the race’s 36-year history have there been so many competitors and so many huge trimarans. The 10th edition of the most famous single-handed transatlantic yacht race is already rewriting the record books. A record 91 sailors were in Saint-Malo this Friday for the opening of the official village, in the shadow of the city walls. As happens every year, large crowds will line the docks of the Breton city for the race start on Sunday, November 2nd. Perhaps the record 2 million visitors in 2010 will also be broken. What we can say for certain is that, at 40 metres long, Spindrift 2 will be the largest boat ever to compete in the race. You might think the skipper, Yann Guichard, was crazy, but the 40-year-old has every confidence in the preparations made by his team to make the maxi-trimaran competitive when raced by a single yachstman. Yann is driven by his competitive spirit, and is all set to do battle.
read more here
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/10/francais-yann-guichard-et-spindrift-2-dans-les-starting-blocks-a-saint-malo/
- The maxi-trimaran Spindrift 2 arrived in Saint-Malo this morning, docking at the Gare Maritime.
- Yann Guichard feels in great shape and is ready to go.
- Information about Spindrift racing’s activities in the race village.
- How to follow Yann Guichard and Spindrift 2 during the race.
Never in the race’s 36-year history have there been so many competitors and so many huge trimarans. The 10th edition of the most famous single-handed transatlantic yacht race is already rewriting the record books. A record 91 sailors were in Saint-Malo this Friday for the opening of the official village, in the shadow of the city walls. As happens every year, large crowds will line the docks of the Breton city for the race start on Sunday, November 2nd. Perhaps the record 2 million visitors in 2010 will also be broken. What we can say for certain is that, at 40 metres long, Spindrift 2 will be the largest boat ever to compete in the race. You might think the skipper, Yann Guichard, was crazy, but the 40-year-old has every confidence in the preparations made by his team to make the maxi-trimaran competitive when raced by a single yachstman. Yann is driven by his competitive spirit, and is all set to do battle.
read more here
Friday, 24 October 2014
Route du Rhum 2014: Video updates from Yann Guichard of Spindrift Racing and Lalou Roucayrol of Team Lalou
The Route du Rhum is set to start in 10 days and Yann Guichard who will be racing on the maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 and Lalou Roucayrol who is racing the Multi50 class trimaran Arkema have posted some video updates (with English subtitles):
Monday, 20 October 2014
Spindrift Racing update, final preparations for Yann Guichard to solo maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 in the Route du Rhum
Spindrift Racing have released the latest edition of 40 metres solo (Episode 23) this examines how the boat has been configured for Yann to solo as effectively as possible. The finishing touches are being put into place with only 2 weeks to go until the start of the Route du Rhum.
Wednesday, 8 October 2014
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Yann Guichard successful in solo qualification run from Horta in the Azores to La Trinite sur Mer for the Route du Rhum
From the following press release from the Spindrift Racing team:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/09/40-metres-en-solo-episode-21-yann-guichard-and-spindrift-2-successfully-qualified-for-the-route-du-rhum/
« Solo sailing a trimaran the size of Spindrift 2 requires complete physical commitment, » says Yann Guichard, who recently sailed from the Azores to La Trinité-sur-Mer, alone at the helm of the world’s largest racing multihull. With two months to go before the start of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, the skipper arrived late Monday afternoon and appeared positive and satisfied with his single-handed sail. His arrival fulfils the compulsory qualification required for the event.
Since Spindrift 2 was launched in 2008, nobody has had the audacity to sail this maxi-trimaran single-handed. The 40 metres long Spindrift 2 was designed to be raced by crews and holds several respective major ocean-sailing records. Spindrift racing thought long and hard about taking part in the Route du Rhum, adapting the trimaran especially for this epic race which will commence on November 2nd this year. The cockpit has been redesigned for use by a single-handed sailor, with the commands placed suitably within reach. Meanwhile, the surface area of the sails has been reduced by around 20% and an ingenious autopilot system has been fitted. The trimaran has not been reduced in size, however, and Spindrift 2 remains by far the largest boat taking part in the 10th edition of the most iconic of transatlantic races.
read more and see the video here
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/09/40-metres-en-solo-episode-21-yann-guichard-and-spindrift-2-successfully-qualified-for-the-route-du-rhum/
« Solo sailing a trimaran the size of Spindrift 2 requires complete physical commitment, » says Yann Guichard, who recently sailed from the Azores to La Trinité-sur-Mer, alone at the helm of the world’s largest racing multihull. With two months to go before the start of the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, the skipper arrived late Monday afternoon and appeared positive and satisfied with his single-handed sail. His arrival fulfils the compulsory qualification required for the event.
Since Spindrift 2 was launched in 2008, nobody has had the audacity to sail this maxi-trimaran single-handed. The 40 metres long Spindrift 2 was designed to be raced by crews and holds several respective major ocean-sailing records. Spindrift racing thought long and hard about taking part in the Route du Rhum, adapting the trimaran especially for this epic race which will commence on November 2nd this year. The cockpit has been redesigned for use by a single-handed sailor, with the commands placed suitably within reach. Meanwhile, the surface area of the sails has been reduced by around 20% and an ingenious autopilot system has been fitted. The trimaran has not been reduced in size, however, and Spindrift 2 remains by far the largest boat taking part in the 10th edition of the most iconic of transatlantic races.
read more and see the video here
 |
| Yann Guichard departing Hortas on his Route du Rhum qualification, photo E Allaire |
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Spindrift Racing update, Team organise a replacement rudder for delivery to Horta in the Azores
From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/08/spindrift-racing-series-40-metres-en-solo-special-episode-part-2-spindrift-2-on-the-mend/
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/08/spindrift-racing-series-40-metres-en-solo-special-episode-part-2-spindrift-2-on-the-mend/
Monday, 25 August 2014
Spindrift Racing update, maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 breaks starboard float rudder after impact with container on return trip to La Trinite sur Mer
From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/08/spindrift-racing-series-40-metres-solo-special-episode-part-1/
An unscheduled episode of 40 metres en solo, as the Route du Rhum adventure continues…
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/08/spindrift-racing-series-40-metres-solo-special-episode-part-1/
An unscheduled episode of 40 metres en solo, as the Route du Rhum adventure continues…
On Friday August 22nd, as night fell over the mid-Atlantic, midway between Newport and La Trinité-sur-Mer, Spindrift 2’s starboard float rudder broke in two under the hull. The maxi-trimaran hit what appears to have been a container drifting in the middle of the ocean.
Despite the significant impact, nobody on board was hurt and there does not seem to be any further damage to the boat. Yann Guichard left the USA on August 18th and had planned to drop off his crew members in the Azores, before sailing back to Brittany single-handed to prepare for the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe. Due to the damage, the trimaran has been forced to reduce its speed as it heads for the port of Horta. Spindrift 2 is expected to arrive at the Azorean capital, on Faial island, on Sunday morning.
Spindrift racing’s technical team was immediately called into action, and is pulling out all the stops to allow the boat to return to open waters as soon as possible. The replacement rudder will be flown out to the Azores, along with several of the team’s technicians.
Hitting a whale, dolphin, iceberg or any other drifting objects while on board a carbon-fibre multihull travelling at 25 knots is a frightening scenario, with potentially devastating consequences. Striking a container out at sea is most unfortunate, but happens more and more often, and is a sad reflection of the state of today’s oceans. Yann Guichard and his men realise that the damage could have been much worse, and are focusing now on the future.
read more here
Sunday, 17 August 2014
Spindrift Racing abandon standby period for North Atlantic Record in Newport to return to home base and prepare for Route du Rhum
From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/08/newport-stand-by-ends-for-spindrift-racing-yann-guichard-to-return-in-preparation-for-route-de-rhum/
The wait is over for Spindrift racing. On stand-by since the beginning of June, Dona Bertarelli, Yann Guichard and the rest of the team will abandon their attempt to break the Crewed North Atlantic Record on August 15th and prepare to sail home to France. Since their arrival in Newport, an unusually powerful anticyclone located at high latitudes has starved them of any opportunity to take on the record. There is no time to relax, however, and Spindrift racing must now focus on the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, which will depart from Saint-Malo on November 2nd. Technical staff in Newport are already hard at work, configuring Spindrift 2 for single-handed racing to ensure that everything is ready for Yann Guichard to set sail alone.
Few records have been attempted more often than the North Atlantic crossing. To sail from New York to Lizard Point in less than 3 days and 15 hours requires both an experienced crew and an exceptional machine such as Spindrift 2, combined with ideal weather conditions. “For a multihull to achieve such a feat on this route, you need a depression that crosses the ocean at the same speed as the record so that you can ride ahead of it on a flat sea,” explains Richard Silvani, a Météo France meteorologist who is Spindrift racing’s onshore route-planner. “This summer’s weather has made any record attempt impossible,” he says. “The anticyclone located at 50 degrees north, directly above our intended route, has prevented depressions from crossing the ocean between America and Europe. Even today’s 10-day forecasts predict no change in the situation.”
read more here
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/08/newport-stand-by-ends-for-spindrift-racing-yann-guichard-to-return-in-preparation-for-route-de-rhum/
The wait is over for Spindrift racing. On stand-by since the beginning of June, Dona Bertarelli, Yann Guichard and the rest of the team will abandon their attempt to break the Crewed North Atlantic Record on August 15th and prepare to sail home to France. Since their arrival in Newport, an unusually powerful anticyclone located at high latitudes has starved them of any opportunity to take on the record. There is no time to relax, however, and Spindrift racing must now focus on the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe, which will depart from Saint-Malo on November 2nd. Technical staff in Newport are already hard at work, configuring Spindrift 2 for single-handed racing to ensure that everything is ready for Yann Guichard to set sail alone.
Few records have been attempted more often than the North Atlantic crossing. To sail from New York to Lizard Point in less than 3 days and 15 hours requires both an experienced crew and an exceptional machine such as Spindrift 2, combined with ideal weather conditions. “For a multihull to achieve such a feat on this route, you need a depression that crosses the ocean at the same speed as the record so that you can ride ahead of it on a flat sea,” explains Richard Silvani, a Météo France meteorologist who is Spindrift racing’s onshore route-planner. “This summer’s weather has made any record attempt impossible,” he says. “The anticyclone located at 50 degrees north, directly above our intended route, has prevented depressions from crossing the ocean between America and Europe. Even today’s 10-day forecasts predict no change in the situation.”
read more here
Sunday, 15 June 2014
Spindrift Racing update, Dona Bertarelli claims line honours on Ladycat the teams D35 catamaran in the Bol d'Or Mirabaud
Press release by Spindrift Racing:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/06/francais-victoire-de-ladycat-powered-by-spindrift-racing-au-bol-dor-mirabaud-2014/
Skipper Dona Bertarelli, Yann Guichard and the crew of Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing, won a thrilling victory on Saturday in the 76th edition of the Bol d’Or on Lake Geneva, leading home the 518 boats entered. It is a magnificent triumph for the Spindrift racing team and its partners Mirabaud, Genes-x and Zenith and a second great feat for Bertarelli, following her first win in the Bol d’Or in 2010.
Tension, concentration, suspense, attack, audacity, victory and joy were just some of the words uttered by the Ladycat crew on their arrival at the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), where the wind was still blowing around 25 knots. That gives some idea of the conditions Ladycat encountered for this express return journey across Lake Geneva in 5 hours and 38 minutes, the second fastest time in the history of the Bol d'Or Mirabaud.
The 500 boats began in challenging conditions, crossing the startline of the Bol d'Or Mirabaud on Saturday morning at 1000hrs (French time) in 20 knots of wind. In the middle of the fleet, the 11 D35 one-designs, prepped and ready for battle, put a reef in the mainsail. After a cautious start, Ladycat quickly found itself among the D35 fleet. “The strategy was to stay in contact with our competitors and not to take extreme options, so that we could seize every opportunity and keep some cards up our sleeve," Bertarelli explained. The first part of the race was long and difficult with an upwind climb and lots of manoeuvres and transitions to manage, as Yann Guichard reports: “We suffered a bit upwind,” he said. “We made the choice to set the boat up for very windy conditions and we didn’t benefit from this option for the first few miles. The goal was still to be in the leading pack at the halfway mark and we managed to take the lead 150 metres from Bouveret.”
After the first sprint, the wind dropped a bit. “We knew the wind was going to soften at the halfway point and that it would return again strongly ahead of us. We had options in terms of the choice of sail so we could better anticipate the last part (of the race), which always promised to be tough.” Christophe Espagnon said. There wasno rest for the Ladycat crew, who went into this this final section of this course, elbow to elbow with Realstone and Veltigroup and touching speeds of 25 knots. “In the end, it really hotted up, we were at full speed in a neck-and-neck finish with Realstone and Veltigroup,” Espagnon said. “We managed to overtake them 300 metres from the finish line and they finished 50 metres behind us, so there was suspense until the very end. We had a good strategy and really great teamwork. We had made some configuration choices on the boat (with the sails and settings) and they paid off. This is the first time I have won the Bol d'Or Mirabaud. This is for me a legendary race, an event that I dreamed of winning one day in my career. I'm so happy.”
At the end of 66.5 miles covered in 5 hours and 38 minutes, the D35 Ladycat and the 5 crew members, crossed the finish line of the illustrious Bol d'Or Mirabaud as winners ahead of Realstone and Alinghi, who made up the podium. “We were very focused throughout the race because the conditions were really difficult and we were always on the attack and so racing on a knife-edge the whole time,” Bertarelli said. “I’m very proud of my team who sailed well from start to finish. It’s also an enormous pleasure to win the 76th Bol d'Or and the race for the second time. This edition has a special flavour because Ladycat is wearing the colours of Mirabaud. I’m proud and excited to share this victory with all my partners, Mirabaud, Genes- x and Zenith. Now we have to win the next edition because to keep the Bol d'Or forever you have to win the race 3 times in 5 years.”
Congratulations to Dona, Yann, Jacques, Christophe, Xavier and Francois for this outstanding performance and for doing the double by winning the D35 class and the race.
They said:"Thank you Dona, Yann and all the Spindrift racing team for fulfilling the dream which we have all had since the beginning of our partnership. I hope this victory heralds more great success to come. I know that at Mirabaud we believe in them.” Antonio Palma, Partner at Mirabaud.
“Zenith is particularly proud of winning the Bol d'Or Mirabaud for the second consecutive year, this time alongside Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing. We are happy to celebrate this new partnership with the victory of a crew who gave a brilliant demonstration of its talents after a very close and exciting race.” Juliette North, director of Marketing and Communication at Zenith.
“Genes-x is extremely proud of the wonderful performance today by Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing. By winning the Bol d'Or Mirabaud, the crew demonstrated their professionalism and their ambition for this season.” Fabio Cavalli, CEO and founder of Genes-x.
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/06/francais-victoire-de-ladycat-powered-by-spindrift-racing-au-bol-dor-mirabaud-2014/
Skipper Dona Bertarelli, Yann Guichard and the crew of Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing, won a thrilling victory on Saturday in the 76th edition of the Bol d’Or on Lake Geneva, leading home the 518 boats entered. It is a magnificent triumph for the Spindrift racing team and its partners Mirabaud, Genes-x and Zenith and a second great feat for Bertarelli, following her first win in the Bol d’Or in 2010.
Tension, concentration, suspense, attack, audacity, victory and joy were just some of the words uttered by the Ladycat crew on their arrival at the Société Nautique de Genève (SNG), where the wind was still blowing around 25 knots. That gives some idea of the conditions Ladycat encountered for this express return journey across Lake Geneva in 5 hours and 38 minutes, the second fastest time in the history of the Bol d'Or Mirabaud.
The 500 boats began in challenging conditions, crossing the startline of the Bol d'Or Mirabaud on Saturday morning at 1000hrs (French time) in 20 knots of wind. In the middle of the fleet, the 11 D35 one-designs, prepped and ready for battle, put a reef in the mainsail. After a cautious start, Ladycat quickly found itself among the D35 fleet. “The strategy was to stay in contact with our competitors and not to take extreme options, so that we could seize every opportunity and keep some cards up our sleeve," Bertarelli explained. The first part of the race was long and difficult with an upwind climb and lots of manoeuvres and transitions to manage, as Yann Guichard reports: “We suffered a bit upwind,” he said. “We made the choice to set the boat up for very windy conditions and we didn’t benefit from this option for the first few miles. The goal was still to be in the leading pack at the halfway mark and we managed to take the lead 150 metres from Bouveret.”
After the first sprint, the wind dropped a bit. “We knew the wind was going to soften at the halfway point and that it would return again strongly ahead of us. We had options in terms of the choice of sail so we could better anticipate the last part (of the race), which always promised to be tough.” Christophe Espagnon said. There wasno rest for the Ladycat crew, who went into this this final section of this course, elbow to elbow with Realstone and Veltigroup and touching speeds of 25 knots. “In the end, it really hotted up, we were at full speed in a neck-and-neck finish with Realstone and Veltigroup,” Espagnon said. “We managed to overtake them 300 metres from the finish line and they finished 50 metres behind us, so there was suspense until the very end. We had a good strategy and really great teamwork. We had made some configuration choices on the boat (with the sails and settings) and they paid off. This is the first time I have won the Bol d'Or Mirabaud. This is for me a legendary race, an event that I dreamed of winning one day in my career. I'm so happy.”
At the end of 66.5 miles covered in 5 hours and 38 minutes, the D35 Ladycat and the 5 crew members, crossed the finish line of the illustrious Bol d'Or Mirabaud as winners ahead of Realstone and Alinghi, who made up the podium. “We were very focused throughout the race because the conditions were really difficult and we were always on the attack and so racing on a knife-edge the whole time,” Bertarelli said. “I’m very proud of my team who sailed well from start to finish. It’s also an enormous pleasure to win the 76th Bol d'Or and the race for the second time. This edition has a special flavour because Ladycat is wearing the colours of Mirabaud. I’m proud and excited to share this victory with all my partners, Mirabaud, Genes- x and Zenith. Now we have to win the next edition because to keep the Bol d'Or forever you have to win the race 3 times in 5 years.”
Congratulations to Dona, Yann, Jacques, Christophe, Xavier and Francois for this outstanding performance and for doing the double by winning the D35 class and the race.
They said:"Thank you Dona, Yann and all the Spindrift racing team for fulfilling the dream which we have all had since the beginning of our partnership. I hope this victory heralds more great success to come. I know that at Mirabaud we believe in them.” Antonio Palma, Partner at Mirabaud.
“Zenith is particularly proud of winning the Bol d'Or Mirabaud for the second consecutive year, this time alongside Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing. We are happy to celebrate this new partnership with the victory of a crew who gave a brilliant demonstration of its talents after a very close and exciting race.” Juliette North, director of Marketing and Communication at Zenith.
“Genes-x is extremely proud of the wonderful performance today by Ladycat powered by Spindrift racing. By winning the Bol d'Or Mirabaud, the crew demonstrated their professionalism and their ambition for this season.” Fabio Cavalli, CEO and founder of Genes-x.
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Spindrift Racing team optimise maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 for North Atlantic record attempt
The Spindrift racing team are optimizing the maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 for the upcoming North Atlantic record. Work includes getting redundant weight off the boat including the engine, windward foil and pre-canting the mast to windward and fixing it in that position.
Friday, 6 June 2014
Spindrift Racing update, maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 on standby in Newport for North Atlantic record attempt
From the following press release by the Spindrift Racing team:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/06/spindrift-racing-on-standby-in-newport-for-the-crewed-north-atlantic-record/
-Spindrift 2 arrived in Newport on Tuesday, safely delivered from La Trinité-sur-mer, following eight days at sea
-Standby begins for Spindrift racing and its attempt to break the crewed North Atlantic record and ‘Zenith 24-hour record’
-Currently no suitable weather window for the next 10 days, with icebergs identified along the route
Newport, one of the sailing world’s most renowned destinations, welcomes a new giant. Following eight days of delivery from La Trinité-sur-Mer (France), during which substantial information was obtained, Spindrift 2, the maxi-trimaran, arrived at the famous Rhode Island harbour on Tuesday late afternoon. Co-skippers Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard and their crew now enter the critical phase of meticulously monitoring the weather. They must wait for the best window to launch their attempt to break the crewed North Atlantic record between New York and Lizard Point (England). With 3 days, 15 hours and 25 minutes (at an average of 32.94 knots) to beat, the challenge is daunting and will require optimal sailing conditions. If the weather permits, the team will also go for the ‘Zenith by Spindrift racing 24-hour record’, aiming to improve on the existing record of 908 miles, itself an impressive distance, equivalent to two Marseille-Carthage (Tunisia) crossings in 24 hours.
read more here
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/06/spindrift-racing-on-standby-in-newport-for-the-crewed-north-atlantic-record/
-Spindrift 2 arrived in Newport on Tuesday, safely delivered from La Trinité-sur-mer, following eight days at sea
-Standby begins for Spindrift racing and its attempt to break the crewed North Atlantic record and ‘Zenith 24-hour record’
-Currently no suitable weather window for the next 10 days, with icebergs identified along the route
Newport, one of the sailing world’s most renowned destinations, welcomes a new giant. Following eight days of delivery from La Trinité-sur-Mer (France), during which substantial information was obtained, Spindrift 2, the maxi-trimaran, arrived at the famous Rhode Island harbour on Tuesday late afternoon. Co-skippers Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard and their crew now enter the critical phase of meticulously monitoring the weather. They must wait for the best window to launch their attempt to break the crewed North Atlantic record between New York and Lizard Point (England). With 3 days, 15 hours and 25 minutes (at an average of 32.94 knots) to beat, the challenge is daunting and will require optimal sailing conditions. If the weather permits, the team will also go for the ‘Zenith by Spindrift racing 24-hour record’, aiming to improve on the existing record of 908 miles, itself an impressive distance, equivalent to two Marseille-Carthage (Tunisia) crossings in 24 hours.
read more here
Thursday, 5 June 2014
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 enroute to Newport to go on standby for crewed record attempt on the New York to Lizard record
From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:
After a D35 podium finish this weekend, which put Ladycat top of the Vulcain Trophy 2014 rankings after two rounds, the Spindrift racing team are switching to offshore mode. Spindrift racing’s maxi-trimaran, Spindrift 2, left La Trinité-sur-Mer at 1400hrs (French time) on Monday, heading to Newport, Rhode Island in the United States. They will be on standby from the start of June, waiting for a favourable weather window to attempt to break the crewed North Atlantic record.
With eight days at sea in the programme, the team will obviously take advantage of this transatlantic delivery, as skipper Yann Guichard explained. “The shortest route would be upwind, into the wind and the lows, which is not very smart when we’re preparing for a record that will be downwind,” Guichard said. “We will tailor our best route to have the most time downwind and reaching. The aim is to get as close as possible to the sailing conditions we need for the record, so that everyone gets their bearings, especially at the helm. I cannot wait. Although we have had several long voyages from La Trinité, there’s no substitute for ocean mode, both on the technical and human side.”
Friday, 23 May 2014
Spindrift Racing update, the latest edition of 40 metres solo explores Yann Guichard's sailing career and celebrates his 40th birthday
From the following press release on the Spindrift Racing website:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/05/spindrift-racing-series-40-metres-solo-episode-16-happy-40th-yann-guichard/
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/05/spindrift-racing-series-40-metres-solo-episode-16-happy-40th-yann-guichard/
Not for Yann Guichard any crisis on turning 40. The skipper of Spindrift 2 celebrates his birthday today and just feels happy, surrounded by his loved ones and at the top of his sporting career. We caught up with him on the dock at La Trinité-Sur-Mer, Spindrift racing’s home port.
Guichard has sailed on almost all types of multihull on the professional circuit. From the Tornado (the 6-metre Olympic catamaran) to the 40-metre maxi-trimaran Spindrift 2, Guichard’s life has been played out balancing between air and water.
At 10 years old: Ile-aux-Moines, La Rochelle, Optimist Competitions
With three boys and three girls, the Guichard tribe is a large one…who have enjoyed moving around a bit. Settling in Paris, then Perros-Guirec and La Rochelle, the family liked to come together in the holiday home of the Ile aux Moines, in the heart of the Gulf of Morbihan. Between each cruise on his father’s boat, the children spent their time on the water. An independent spirit, Guichard followed his big brother into Optimist competitions. Jacques, the younger brother, chose windsurfing. He now designs the sails for Spindrift 2 and sails on board the maxi-trimaran. In sport studies from the 6th grade to the final year at school in La Rochelle, Guichard took the classic route and quickly shone.
With three boys and three girls, the Guichard tribe is a large one…who have enjoyed moving around a bit. Settling in Paris, then Perros-Guirec and La Rochelle, the family liked to come together in the holiday home of the Ile aux Moines, in the heart of the Gulf of Morbihan. Between each cruise on his father’s boat, the children spent their time on the water. An independent spirit, Guichard followed his big brother into Optimist competitions. Jacques, the younger brother, chose windsurfing. He now designs the sails for Spindrift 2 and sails on board the maxi-trimaran. In sport studies from the 6th grade to the final year at school in La Rochelle, Guichard took the classic route and quickly shone.
At 20: In the 470 and then the Olympics in the Tornado
He got used to his oilies in the Optimist and then the 420. He learned his trade well. In 1994, he became vice-champion of the world in the 420 in Plymouth with his teammate Pierre Pennec. On their return, the duo did not want to continue on to the 470, they were looking for a boat that was more fun, one that could ‘glide’. There was a Tornado at the sailing club. One test was enough. Guichard and Pennec joined the ENV (France’s national sailing school) in Quiberon with the French team and began preparing for the Olympics, which concluded with a fourth place at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
He got used to his oilies in the Optimist and then the 420. He learned his trade well. In 1994, he became vice-champion of the world in the 420 in Plymouth with his teammate Pierre Pennec. On their return, the duo did not want to continue on to the 470, they were looking for a boat that was more fun, one that could ‘glide’. There was a Tornado at the sailing club. One test was enough. Guichard and Pennec joined the ENV (France’s national sailing school) in Quiberon with the French team and began preparing for the Olympics, which concluded with a fourth place at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
read more here
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Spindrift Racing update, latest video in the "40 metres solo" series covers the autopilot installation and function on Spindrift 2
From the associated article on Spindrift Racing's website:
http://www.spindrift-racing.com/2014/05/spindrift-racing-series-40-metres-solo-episode-14-the-autopilots/
Designed for crewed sailing, the maxi-trimaran Spindrift 2 has never had autopilot. A small revolution has taken place on board since the decision to compete in the Route du Rhum. It is a fact that, sailing solo, Yann cannot be on the helm 24 hours a day. He has to sleep, and eat, but he also has to set the sails, make manoeuvres, or work on the computer on board, so, needless to say that without an autopilot, sprinting solo across the Atlantic would be impossible. But it took some ingenuity to devise a system suitable for a machine of this size. Meet Yoann le Quintrec, ‘Mr Pilot’ from Spindrift racing.
“The racing boats like those in the Vendée Globe or our future opponents in the Ultimate Class on the La Route du Rhum mostly use hydraulic pilots with actuators that operate the rudders,” Le Quintrec says. “That was an option that we had to discard because everything is supersized on board Spindrift 2 and there was no system that allowed us to have a strong enough lever arm. So, we had the idea of studying electrical pilots developed for large multihull cruisers. It was an idea that soon proved worthwhile.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)