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After two successful round-the-world races, Benjamin Dutreux is embarking on a new technological and sporting adventure. The Yeu Island sailor has announced the construction of a new IMOCA, designed by Antoine Koch and built at Multiplast, in collaboration with Yoann Richomme's Team Paprec.
A project to play up front
Revealed during the 2020 Vendée Globe with a 9? place achieved on a daggerboard IMOCA, Benjamin Dutreux confirmed his potential in 2024 by finishing 10?. But the skipper recognizes that he has reached the limits of his mount: " I confirmed my potential, but I knew I didn't have the machine to go after the leaders."
With this new boat, the objective is clear: to aim for performance against the latest IMOCA boats. The project brings together several experienced players in the circuit, including Antoine Koch's architectural firm and the Multiplast shipyard, a benchmark in the construction of high-performance prototypes.
4CAD Group, main partner of the Eole Racing team
4CAD Group, a company specializing in digital solutions for industry, is strengthening its commitment to the skipper. Already present at the Vendée Globe 2024 via its subsidiary Astrée Software, it now becomes a major partner of the project. " From the outset, there was mutual trust. We share common values: commitment, performance, innovation" emphasizes Benjamin Dutreux.
For Stéphane Letheule, Group President, this is a long-term partnership: "These first months of support with Benjamin and his team have been rich and unifying. It's a source of pride to support a sailor who embodies our values so well."
A four-year campaign to prepare for victory
The Eole Racing team is thus embarking on a new phase of development, with a campaign running until 2028. Construction of the new IMOCA is due to start shortly, with the aim of having the boat operational by 2026. The project also incorporates the environmental dimension so dear to the skipper's heart, through his long-standing commitment to the Water Family an association dedicated to raising awareness of water conservation.
Benjamin Dutreux concludes: " We have a solid team, a committed partner and soon a state-of-the-art boat. All we need now is a co-partner to write the rest of this story."
