A course far from ocean racing
Architect DPLG, William Mathelin grew up in Paris, far from the world of ocean racing. He discovered sailing during family vacations in the Channel Islands, then during family cruises. During his studies, he also participated in IRC regattas, did convoying, sailed double-handed and then single-handed. And it is through a family member - two participations in the Mini Transat - that he discovered ocean racing.
After graduation, he embarked on a project for the Route du Rhum 2018. A dream that a sponsor allows him to realize. At 24, he is one of the youngest competitors in the race and sails under the colors of Beijaflore.
"It was a crazy gamble! Many thought I wouldn't make it. And that was even more motivating! I also had to sell the project, and as the youngest skipper in the race, it allowed me to stand out. It was a huge discovery! I finished 16 e of 53 e . The goal was definitely reached! Especially since this edition of the Rhum was complicated for everyone. Looking back, it was a daring challenge, especially since I had never sailed a Class 40 before. I had to learn everything, discover everything" explains the young skipper.
And for this, William Mathelin leaves the Parisian jungle for the Lorient pontoons.
"I wanted to be at the heart of the project, to work with great skippers, to have the suppliers next door. I also had a particular attachment to sailing as much as possible. I started quite late in 2018, the only way out was to know the boat by heart. I did all the preparation accompanied by other people. I was present on all the stages to make up for all the problems at sea. I had to make up for my lack of knowledge, as I did not come from a classic nautical background says William.
In view of his results, his partner decided to get involved one more year at his side, buying the Class 40 of Yoann Richomme, winner of the 2018 Route du Rhum.
"There was a real sporting dimension. I gained experience, I made great results, podiums in almost every race. Until the Transat Jacques Vabre 2019. I dislocated my shoulder after three days of racing. But you have to get back up and keep going." develops William.
A new Class40, the Clak40 by VPLP
Since then, William has set up a new project with investors and is launching the construction of a Class40 signed VPLP. A first for the architecture firm, two models will be launched soon and will be present in the Transat Jacques Vabre next fall. William will be able to validate his choice by sailing on board the sisterships of his Class40.
"It's a tailor-made boat, in line with my ambitions. She is built for the Route du Rhum 2022, and therefore transatlantic type. I'll have a year to make her more reliable by taking part in all the races beforehand to measure myself against the others and qualify. Knowing that there are more and more boats and beautiful people in Class40, I hope to fight at the front. I am lucky to have sailed on different boats for the last 3 years. I have a good experience of these boats" explains William.
The Clak40 signed by VPLP is the first Class40 of the firm. It is a versatile boat, designed for long crossings and meeting the latest rules of measurement that have seen the shape of the boats evolve.
"It's a little bit different from the other boats. It has every chance of winning. It's a gamble to have chosen VPLP when it's their first Class40. It's a firm with a good reputation. They make good boats. After seeing the drawings, it's consistent with what I thought. It's going to be a great boat. It's rounded at the front for maximum power. In Class40, we don't have foils, so the round noses bring the extra power. What also changes is the rocker of the hull - it is banana - and the trailing lines. The hull is quite special compared to the others without being extreme in its shape like the Lombard plan.
As soon as there is a sea, under spinnaker, the boat will pitch upwards and will no longer plant itself in the wave. These boats slow down much less and are much more tolerant of the sea. On the Route du Rhum, there are Atlantic swells or big seas like in the Bay of Biscay during the first week. She is cut out for this kind of conditions. She is both good upwind and in light airs.
As far as technical innovations are concerned - keel placement, rudders... - I can't say too much about them for the moment explains William.
In the end, William had the choice between 6 different architects among all the proposed plans. But VPLP was able to seduce the young skipper by the shape of the boat, the philosophy they had and the versatility of the Clack40. The boat will be built by the Multiplast shipyard, also a first in Class40, from September 2021.
In the meantime, William intends to build a solid team to carry out his project. Without a boat for the moment - his former Class40 has been sold to Nicolas Jossier who will participate on board in the Transat Jacques Vabre - William intends to continue sailing. He will soon announce his participation in the Jacques Vabre.
"For the moment we have no title sponsors. I have small partners who accompany me, but there is still a part of the budget to find to complete the project. The idea is to have my boat in February 2022 and to find other sponsors", concludes William.
