A new world tour for the win
For his fourth participation in the Vendée Globe in 2024, Yannick Bestaven will be aboard a new boat. Indeed, the skipper from La Rochelle is hoping to reach the podium once again in the race. With the signing of a partnership renewal until 2025, Maitre Coq gives Bestaven the opportunity to build a new IMOCA boat. A first for the skipper and the sponsor!
"After an engaging Vendée Globe campaign, I took the time to introspect. So as not to lie to myself or worse, to my entourage, my team and my partners. Today, with certainty, I can say that I want to sail around the world again, on board an IMOCA boat. And from a personal point of view, to give the necessary time to prepare this circumnavigation. I opened up to my partner Maître CoQ, with whom I have established a relationship of trust and great human quality. We exchanged on our common interests and took the time to build a successful project. We're setting off again on a Vendée Globe campaign, the 4th for them, the 3rd for me; and for each of us, the 1st with a new boat!" explains the skipper.
An evolution of IMOCA
It is a Verdier design, conceived in the molds of the 11th Hours 2 monohull, from Charlie Enright's American team. Construction will begin in June 2021 at the CDK Technologies yard in Port-La-Forêt.
"It quickly became clear to us that a new boat was needed in order to have the means to fulfill our ambitions and to give the competition a run for its money, which once again promises to be very strong. We studied several options and our choice fell on a Verdier design, in the mold of the IMOCA 11th Hours 2. First of all, we have had a privileged relationship with Guillaume Verdier for many years. Secondly, 11th Hours 2 is an improved version of the previous Verdier designs. It is an evolution of IMOCA boats like Apivia and LinkedOut. And finally, another notable advantage, since it is a sistership, not only do we benefit from the studies carried out by the American team, but we also save precious time explains Yannick Bestaven.
The boat will be launched in June 2022 and will make its debut in the Route du Rhum in November of the same year.
