You've just been appointed manager of Team Banque Populaire. Can you tell us about your career with the team?
I joined Team Banque Populaire in 2009, then in 2011, at the end of the Banque Populaire V project for the Jules Verne Trophy. I then worked alongside skippers such as Jérémie Beyou and Yann Eliès. In 2017, I rejoined the team until today. Alongside Ronan Lucas, we worked closely together to organize and manage this great house that is Banque Populaire. His departure came as a surprise, and the question of reorganization arose. So I was appointed Team Director, and Sébastien Josse took on the role of Sporting Director. It's a major challenge to take over the reins of a team that has won everything in the major classics.
Construction of a new IMOCA is underway for the Vendée Globe 2028. What are the objectives of this project?
Indeed, we have launched the construction of a new IMOCA. We remain loyal to CDK, with whom we have enjoyed a close collaboration for several decades. Loïs Berrehar has been chosen as skipper for this ambitious project. The objective is clear: to aim for performance and victory in the Vendée Globe 2028. We are setting up a dedicated team, with the necessary tools, to accompany Loïs on this adventure. The launch is scheduled for 2027.
How will Loïs train?
Loïs is free to train and sail on other boats. The program will be defined in consultation with Sébastien Josse, our sporting director. Discussions are underway with other teams to sail the Transat Café L'Or and The Ocean Race Europe.
What are the prospects for the Ultim with Armel Le Cléac'h at the helm?
The Ultim Banque Populaire XI remains at the heart of our sporting strategy. We also have long-term plans for this Ultim, with a strategic vision up to 2029. Armel and Sébastien will be aiming to retain their title in the Transat Jacques Vabre, renamed Transat Café L'Or, in 2025.
But the big event for Armel remains the Route du Rhum 2026. It's the only major classic not on his list of honors.
Then the trimaran will line up at the start of the Arkéa Ultim Challenge, which will kick off in winter 2027, with six to eight Ultims entered. It's going to be an incredible line-up.
What modifications were made to Ultim during her winter pit stop?
After a major refit lasting several months, the boat will be relaunched in April. The biggest part concerned the hydro section, with a change to the load-bearing surfaces. We knew that the Ultim had reached the end of her capabilities, and that Armel could pull on her at 100%. This new evolution will enable him to perform even better. The idea is that this new version will be perfectly optimized for the 2026 Rhum.
Will the team be racing in the Jules Verne Trophy again?
No date has been set yet, as we already have a very busy schedule leading up to 2029. But we hope to be able to win this record again, which Team Banque Populaire already won in 2012.
Loïs Berrehar and Armel Le Cléac'h © Vincent Curutchet
