Disagreement over safety and visibility on board SVR-Lazartigue
François Gabart and his sponsor SVR-Lazartigue have reached an agreement with the Ultim 32/23 class to join the collective and obtain a measurement certificate. As a reminder, since the launch of the blue trimaran in July 2021, the design had been questioned by the whole class, arguing a problem of safety and visibility due to a closed cockpit. SVR-Lazartigue had not obtained its measurement certificate, and it was through legal action that François Gabart managed to obtain the right to participate in the Route du Rhum 2022.
Calm discussions to find a solution
Since the arrival in Guadeloupe last November, discussions have taken place between the different actors to find a solution. The objective was to allow the team to integrate the class and participate in future races, including the solo round the world race in 2024.
A modification of the cockpit
The two parties have agreed on the modifications to be made to the trimaran in February 2023. The team worked on an evolution of the cockpit with the objective of allowing the skipper to see the horizon when he is at his maneuvering station, at the column. Thus, the floors of the two winch columns have been raised, the two aft bubbles widened and raised to have a direct view of the horizon when maneuvering, and the boom has been raised to adapt to the new shape of the bubbles. The work is currently underway at Mer Concept in Concarneau and is being monitored by the class measurer, who has already come twice to see the progress of the work.
Didier Tabary - CEO of the KRESK Group and owner of the boat : "I have always been very open to dialogue and I am happy that it has been able to resume calmly with the Ultim Class in a peaceful climate. I am delighted that we have found an agreement and solutions that suit everyone, as well as the upcoming creation of an Ultim Committee. I am also relieved to know that our boat will continue to take the start of great races, supported by thousands of enthusiasts."
The trimaran will be relaunched in May in this new configuration and once the work is validated by the measurer, will be given a measurement certificate for the Ultim 32/23 class.
An Ultim Committee to manage technical questions
To avoid this kind of problem, in the next few weeks, the class will create an Ultim Committee composed of, among others, a non-class sailor and a naval architecture specialist. This group will be able to answer the technical questions of the teams in an impartial way.
