End of partnership between Idec Sport and Francis Joyon
This Easter weekend, the world of ocean racing shook again. After 20 years of partnership, Idec Sport has decided to end its collaboration with Francis Joyon, 66 years old. If the skipper was aware of this since February 2023, the news was announced by France Bleu on April 7. The multihull skipper will lose his Ultim from June 2023, to the benefit of Alexia Barrier as he told AFP. The young woman, who is currently renting the MOD70 Mana, ex-Spindrift, has a project for a 100% female Jules Verne Trophy.
The desire to set up a new project
Francis Joyon is nevertheless determined to continue sailing in Ultim, and why not to break a Jules Verne Trophy record once again. According to our colleagues, the skipper has approached Spindrift, but Yann Guichard's boat is not for sale for the moment. The Maxi Edmond de Rothschild, Ultim aboard which Charles Caudrelier won the Route du Rhum 2022 will also be put up for sale; the team is having a new one built, but not immediately. Francis Joyon finds himself at a dead end for the moment, without a giant trimaran to rent in 2023. He will also have to find a new sponsor to build a new project.
A career of records and achievements
Started in 2003, the sponsorship with Idec Sport had led Francis Joyon to break many records, rather than participating in races: Single-handed round-the-world record, North Atlantic crossing record, 24-hour distance record, Route de la Découverte... He is also the holder of the Jules Verne Trophy, established in 2017 in 40 days, 23 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds on his red and white trimaran. In 2018, he beat François Gabart in the Route du Rhum after an amazing finish, setting a new record of 7 days 14 hours 21 minutes and 47 seconds at the age of 62! Francis Joyon will complete his program with Idec with a tour of Europe initiated by The Arch.
