A promising skipper for an ambitious project
At 31, Loïs Berrehar has distinguished himself on the Figaro circuit, notably winning the Transat Paprec and finishing second in the Solitaire. He then raced two editions of the Jacques Vabre in the IMOCA class, before being selected as replacement skipper for Charlie Dalin in the last Vendée Globe. That a team like Mer Concept, in charge of preparing and monitoring the project, should choose him as a replacement on MACIF, the best boat on the circuit, speaks volumes for the sailor's talent.
In the end, however, he will join Team Banque Populaire, which is returning to a Vendée Globe project after a notable absence from the 2024-2025 edition.
Designing and building the new IMOCA
The future IMOCA Banque Populaire 14 will be built in collaboration with CDK Technologies. The details of the architectural project will be revealed in the first half of 2025, but we already know that it will be the 3 e a series of sisterships designed by a rising star in the IMOCA class. The launch is scheduled for early 2027, leaving plenty of time for training before the 2028 Vendée Globe.
Multiply experiments on other media
While waiting for his new boat to be launched, Loïs will be training with other teams, and not just in IMOCA, as Erwan Steff, the new team manager, explains :
"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 embark on the Transat Café L'Or and The Ocean Race Europe"
A lasting commitment to sailing and surfing
On the occasion of the inauguration of its new base in Lorient, Team Banque Populaire announces the continuation of its commitment to sailing and surfing until 2029. In addition to the construction of an IMOCA, this program will include the following initiatives:
- A program in Ultim with the Maxi Banque Populaire XI, skippered by Armel Le Cléac'h ;
- The renewal of its partnership as Major partner of the French Sailing and Surfing Federations, and the French national teams until 2028;
- The extension of its patronage of the Association Éric Tabarly to contribute to the maintenance and seaworthiness of the fleet's historic yachts until 2028;
- The continuation of its Olympic legacy program after the Paris 2024 Games, in favor of the protecting aquatic environments .
