Why embark on a Vendée Globe project?
It's a race that I've wanted for many years. When you love the open sea, ocean racing, taking part in the Vendée is part of the dream to be fulfilled. An opportunity presented itself with the Black Pepper yard and I seized it.
I have been associated with the Black Pepper shipyard since 2012 and the shipyard was already at my side in 2014 on the first project. ( NDRL: Armel Tripon had led a first Vendée Globe Humble for Heroes project ). We decided to start a new campaign to build a new boat. It's a collective choice between the shipyard and me.
You're not announcing any sponsors at the moment. How far along are you?
We're having a discussion. Some things are moving forward. We are launching the boat, we have the funding to build it and launch it, and things are progressing in terms of sports and preparation. I am confident.
Can you explain the choice of architect Sam Manuard?
Again, it's a choice made between the black Pepper shipyard and me. I've been wanting to work with Sam for a while. When I was sailing the Multi50 Réauté Chocolat, he introduced me to his project and made me want to. He had already worked on boats of this style, his approach was structured, he had already thought about it and put together a team. He didn't already have a precise project, but he had already thought about the boat's design.
We agreed in November and attacked in January. No definite project, but some ideas for reflection.
Can you give us some leads on your boat?
It's too soon. The project is under construction. We cannot talk about it right now, especially as long as there are possible competing projects. It will be built by the Black Pepper shipyard, which doesn't necessarily have experience with this type of boat. As a result the team is being strengthened with people who are familiar with IMOCA boats and who will be able to support the project.
The boat will be launched in July 2019, but more can be unveiled before the summer.
What about the Multi50 program?
It continues until the Route du Rhum with Réauté Chocolat, which will be the last race in a Multi50. The rest will be in monohulls, from July 2019.
Have you found someone to succeed you?
We haven't found a successor yet. We want the boat to continue sailing fast, with a smart handover.
Can you give us an idea of your budget?
For the sports part, it's still a bit early. We have a lot of estimates, things we don't have yet. We have an envelope, but I can't say how much.
How will the next few years go?
I already have a defined race program that we're going to enter. The first race will be the Transat Jacques Vabre, which will be followed by a return transatlantic race, either solo or racing. In 2020, why not the English Transat and then there will be the solo New York-Les Sables. That's 4 transats, which is not bad to prepare for.
