A pictorial tour of the most successful trimaran in the history of ocean racing

On the occasion of its stopover in the city of Marseille, we went to meet the maxi trimaran Idec Sport, skippered by Francis Joyon. Guided tour of this reference in ocean racing.

A prestigious list of awards

Three-time winner of the Route du Rhum, holder of the Jules Verne Trophy twice, record-breakers in the Atlantic and Mediterranean, both solo and with crew: this trimaran launched in 2006 has won almost everything.

Launched under the colors of Groupama, it was intended at the time as a less extreme alternative to the giants of the time, such as the catamaran Orange 2 skippered by Bruno Peyron or the trimaran Geronimo led by Olivier de Kersauson. With its architecture inspired by the spectacular ORMAs, this 31.5 m trimaran designed by VPLP was in Marseille as part of the round Europe race led by Francis Joyon and his team to promote The Arch project. We took the opportunity to go on board. Come aboard with us.

Le poste de barre tribord
The starboard helm station
Une partie de l'imposant piano
A part of the imposing piano
Le winch principal, actionné par les moulins à café. Tout est dit. Attention aux doigts!
The main winch, operated by the coffee grinders. That says it all. Watch your fingers!
L'éolienne produit son courant devant la Mairie de Marseille
The wind turbine produces its power in front of the City Hall of Marseille
Une vue d'ensemble depuis le bras arrière
An overview from the rear arm


Le siège de barre est plutôt minimaliste
The helm seat is rather minimalist

Contrairement aux derniers trimarans géants, le cockpit d'Idec Sport est entièrement ouvert
Unlike the latest giant trimarans, Idec Sport's cockpit is completely open
L'imposant mât aile culmine à 31.5m
The imposing wing mast reaches 31.5 m
La mât aile pivote sur cette petite pièce de titane
The wing mast pivots on this small titanium piece
L'imposante dérive centrale porte le tirant d'eau à 5.7m
The imposing centerboard brings the draft to 5.7 m
Le foil en C babord
The port C foil
La plage avant
The front range
Le poste de veille sous le dog-house
The watch post under the dog-house
La descente dans la coque centrale, qui abrite la cellule de vie
The descent into the life cell of the central hull

C'est ici qu'on cohabité les 6 équipiers pendant les différents tours du monde
It is here that a crew of 6 sailors lived together during the different world tours
Le "placard" à cirés
The "closet" for waxed clothes
La table à cartes
The card table
More articles on the theme