Launching of the SVR Lazartigue trimaran
Long awaited by its skipper François Gabart and the Mer Concept team accompanying him, the launch of the new trimaran SVR Lazartigue took place in Concarneau on July 22, 2021. Compliant with the Ultim rules, the 31-meter long and 23-meter wide multihull hit the water after more than 3 years of gestation. The launch of the project was formalized at the end of February 2018, with its former sponsor Macif. After being put on standby in November 2018 following the incidents of the Route du Rhum and the loss of the competing yacht Banque Populaire IX, the project was relaunched at the end of the same year. It is experiencing new difficulties with the departure of François Gabart's historical sponsor in June 2020, but the construction continues. " We didn't give up "said the skipper, with tremors in his voice. It is finally under the colors of the cosmetic brand SVR Lazartigue that the boat will sail on the Ultim circuit.
A thorough reflection on the aerodynamics of the boat
From the first glance, the boat stands out in its exterior appearance. A lot of work has been done on the aerodynamic aspects. The maneuvering and piloting area of the boat is integrated into the central hull, under the deck. Only two bubbles, looking like World War II aircraft cockpits, ensure visibility for the helmsman and the watch. They give access to the deck, completed by a door in the aft arm, which serves a small external cockpit, equipped with a bar for maneuvers.
" The faster you go, the more important aerodynamics and protection are. At 50 knots, with the apparent wind, we have more than 100 km/h of apparent wind and it is sometimes difficult to keep our eyes open. For example, the tarpaulin stretched out at the front allows the furling rollers of the headsails to be integrated and, for example, to store some sails on the deck. We ask ourselves questions about everything. If we could do without trampolines, we would! Then there are regulatory and safety issues " explains François Gabart. He also tells us that he thought about a catamaran platform and rigid wings during the early stages in 2017.
A platform for the boats of the future
Flying requires being light, and the materials used are still far from being ecologically virtuous. Although he is aware of this, the skipper sees his new boat as a platform for changing the way we sail in the right direction, in the longer term. "Today, this boat is 99.9% carbon, with a little bit of biocomposites in the cockpit. But on the other hand, 99.9% of the research we are doing is on renewable solutions, through recycling for carbon or biocomposites. We are now able to make a precise life cycle analysis of the boat and to see where we can make progress to make a real eco-design. The Ultims are ultimate in the literal sense of the word and allow us to find ideas for the boats of tomorrow and to develop a lower energy consumption" anticipates the skipper of the trimaran.
The Atlantic in race and record, before the solo round the world sailing
The trimaran SVR Lazartigue should be ready to cross the Atlantic with the duo François Gabart and Tom Laperche during the Jacques Vabre 2021 in November. The solo Route du Rhum is on the program for 2022, as well as an Atlantic record if the timing allows it, before the first solo round-the-world race for Ultims in 2023. As for the return to sailing, after many months of absence from the starting line of ocean racing, François Gabart is approaching it without anxiety. "I have above all the excitement. Sailing is like cycling, you never forget it! "he concludes.
