"I experienced 2014 as a transition year where I immersed myself in the construction of my boat, while dreaming of the moment when I could enter the optimization and competition phase. Now I'm looking forward to sailing this boat, and that moment is fast approaching!" underlines Morgan Lagravière.
A boat with the characteristics of the new rules
This boat has been in the planning stages since 2013, when the Safran Sailing Team and the architects Guillaume Verdier and Vincent-Lauriot-Prévost began working on an innovative project. The boat had to meet the new IMOCA rules. Safran's powerful hull is equipped with "Dali's moustache" foils (a load-bearing surface that makes it possible to lighten the hull when sailing downwind and thus increase speed), a pivoting wing mast set back very far with outriggers for better aerodynamics, a cockpit set back with a lower center of gravity, and a pronounced volume of the front hull. The hull itself is wider than the Safran with a larger bow to clear the bow and keep the hull balanced even when the boat heels. Finally, the chine is higher to increase power. " The new rules, which require all boats to have the same keels and masts (wing or classic but standardized, editor's note), were not a constraint in the end, but undoubtedly a way to innovate againâeuros¦ For my part, I worked particularly on the cockpit. The two transatlantic races aboard the first Safran served as an experience for me explains Morgan.
This project would probably not have been possible without the experience and investment of Marc Guillemot, the skipper of the first Safran " I didn't expect to feel so many emotions at this launch. I've just taken the helm of Safran for the first time and I already feel like I'm in communion with my boat. It's a great pleasure for me, but also for the whole team, who built this magnificent boat. I've just experienced a very important moment in my life as a sailor
Morgan Lagravière said during the launch of the new IMOCA "> Credit: Photo DPPI - Jean Marie Liot
The boat was launched this Thursday, before her christening which will take place this Saturday, March 7. She will return to the shipyard on Monday for the keel.
