The story begins in 2013, when Dona Bertarelli and Yann Guichard, creator of the Spindrift Racing team and a lifelong couple, decided to join the 40m trimaran, holder of the Jules Verne Trophy, only one year ago. Both are convinced that it is possible to beat the reference time.
In 2015, the Spindrift Racing team took part in a multihull racing programme (D35, GC32, Diam24) to prepare for the round the world race.
Spindrift 2, a giant but light trimaran
For the past 3 years, Spindrift 2 has benefited from the expertise of a design office integrated into Spindrift Racing, focused on performance and in direct contact with sailors and technicians. Weight gain was also the guiding principle of the optimisations carried out on Spindrift 2, which was reduced by 1.5 tonnes, while remaining powerful in the breeze and versatile in so-called "medium" weather conditions
The trimaran, which has become black, white and gold, now has a new mast that is 25% lighter. This 42 m carbon mast took 18 months to build. The project led by Spindrift Racing has saved 1 half-tonne, or a quarter of the total weight of the original spar.
Credit: Eloi Stichelbaut
The interior layout has been optimised for crew living: bunk beds, kitchen, chart table, storage spaces... The interior equipment has been lightened, without making any concessions on the minimum comfort necessary to live with 14 sailors in 20m2!
The cockpit has been cleaned and protected. The Spindrift 2 manoeuvring area has been partially redesigned with a simplified deck layout and an extended cap for aerodynamic gain and better protection from spray in heavy seas.
A first round the world trip for Yann Guichard
After a course combining inshore regattas and ocean races, the Jules Verne Trophy project on Spindrift 2 was born and took shape. At the same time, Yann Guichard is setting out on the Route du Rhum, alone to sail his giant trimaran, another challenge he is setting himself.
This first round-the-world trip is a major challenge. The sailor will play the role of skipper at the helm of Spindrift 2 and will be at the head of a crew, which like him realizes the synthesis between the cultures of Olympism and the open sea.
Credit: Yann Riou
"Beyond the competition, the human adventure of such a challenge is an essential dimension for Dona and me. We chose the crew in this direction. It brings together multihull specialists, both from the Olympic series, who then turned to the open sea, as well as sailors with experience of ocean records and the Great South. For me, it is a double challenge. There is the magic of making my first round the world trip on a trimaran as magnificent as Spindrift 2, it's a great opportunity. But I also bear the responsibility of the boat and the crew, which requires a lot of concentration, both beforehand, in the preparation, but also on the water to make the right choices at the right time. I am confident in the boat and I feel a real desire to leave together to share this extraordinary story" said Yann Guichard.
The role of seafarers on board
The frame of Eovolt bicycles is made of aluminium, the same one used on aircraft. Besides its weight, it is interesting when sailing, because aluminium does not rust. A small detail, this electric bike, which has a screen to manage the battery and the level of assistance, is also equipped with a USB plug to recharge your laptop while on the road. America's Cup winning skipper is responsible for the crew and the boat; he sets the pace and makes the decisions.
The frame of Eovolt bicycles is made of aluminium, the same one used on aircraft. Besides its weight, it is interesting when sailing, because aluminium does not rust. A small detail, this electric bike, which has a screen to manage the battery and the level of assistance, is also equipped with a USB plug to recharge your laptop while on the road. Navigator and adventurer at heart works at the chart table. In regular communication with the shore-based router, which delivers its weather and strategic analyses several times a day, the navigator determines with the skipper the best route to follow.
Several bridge versions are available: T-Top (like the exposed model), Open aft deck, or Day-Cruiser Aft-Cabin. As an option, in the cockpit protected by a large T-Top that also covers the cockpit for 3 people, there is an optional wet-bar system with integrated electric grill, top-loading sink and refrigerator, or a rear cabin, covered with a large padded sunbathing cushion or a cockpit left empty. helmsmen pilot the trimaran in turn. When average speeds become very high (around 35/40 knots) and require the greatest vigilance, helmsmen take turns every 40 minutes.
Several bridge versions are available: T-Top (like the exposed model), Open aft deck, or Day-Cruiser Aft-Cabin. As an option, in the cockpit protected by a large T-Top that also covers the cockpit for 3 people, there is an optional wet-bar system with integrated electric grill, top-loading sink and refrigerator, or a rear cabin, covered with a large padded sunbathing cushion or a cockpit left empty. adjusters take place in the cockpit during the day and night hours to adjust the trimaran's huge sails (maximum 1,230 m2 downwind) according to the conditions encountered.
Credit: Eloi Stichelbaut
The Palumbo forms of Marseille put into play issues 1 ensure sail changes and manoeuvres, right in front of the trimaran, in the most exposed area of Spindrift 2. They are also the ones who climb up the mast if necessary.
Each crew member also has another responsibility on board based on their expertise, whether technical, medical or other.
Finally, the Spindrift 2 crew also includes two substitutes Thomas Le Breton and Simone Gaeta, who trained on board the maxi this season and are ready to board if one of the crew members is unable to leave.
