Renamed Ocean Fifty in 2021, the former Multi50s have since had their own circuit called the Pro Sailing Tour. This class, to which all boats must conform, offers the best compromise between construction and operating costs and sporting and technological performance. On the other hand, the class limits the number of boats to 10, contrary to the 12 announced in 2021. A bias concerning the race starts and the harbor places.
The choice of another circuit for 3 skippers
After a great battle on the Route du Rhum 2022, the first months of 2023 have seen some changes in the class. First of all, the exit of Armel Tripon on Les P'tits Doudous and Eric Peyron on Komilfo, who will have made an express passage... The first is looking to build an IMOCA, but will be able to continue on the circuit while he launches his project, the second has entered the Ultim circuit by taking over Mieux, the former Actual trimaran bought by Ultim Sailing, to take part in the Ultim single-handed round the world race at the end of 2023 The Anglo-Saxon Sam Goodchild, on Leyton, has also decided to switch to a monohull, taking over the helm of Thomas Ruyant's former LinkedOut.
Crossing the bar for others
While some have decided to try other boats, new skippers are entering the Ocean Fifty circuit. Luke Berry who had built a Class40 in the colors of Lamotte - Module Créations for the Route du Rhum 2022, has finally bought the former Primonial of Sébastien Rogues. The Ocean Fifty renamed Le Rire Médecin Groupe Lamotte Immobilier was launched on March 9, 2023.
Taken over by the BE Racing team, managed by Louis Burton and Servane Escoffier, the ex-Leyton was taken over by Pierre Quiroga for a 4-year program in the Viabilis colors. The former winner of the Solitaire du Figaro 2021 has thus swelled the ranks of the class.
Projects under construction and to come
Fabrice Cahierc had launched a project Ocean Fifty in 2020, which he had finally given to Erwan Le Roux. It was aboard Koesio, that the skipper and president of the class, had won the Route du Rhum 2022. Finally, the company manager has relaunched a new project signed VPLP and supported by the REALITES group, which is scheduled to be launched in the spring of 2023.
Sébastien Rogues who sold his former Ocean Fifty to Luke Berry, has also launched the construction of a new boat, still under the colors of Primonial. It is an evolution of the current Arkema 4, entrusted to the architect Romaric Neyhousser.
Capsized during the Route du Rhum 2022, Solidaires en Peloton Arsep has been recovered and is currently undergoing repairs. However, its skipper Thibaut Vauchel-Camus could launch the construction of a new frame for the years to come.
What about the rest of the fleet?
If we should find Erwan Le Roux on Koesio, it is less sure for Quentin Vlamynck on Arkema 4, which has completed its four-year program with its sponsor in the Route du Rhum. If the future of the runner-up in the 2022 Route du Rhum is uncertain, it is also uncertain for several boats in the class. Thus, are for sale Komilfo of Eric Péron, P'tits Doudous of Armel Tripon and Groupe GCA - 1001 Sourires of Gilles Lamiré which could be taken over by Christopher Pratt jérémie Beyou's former teammate on Charal.
