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Every winter, the Class40s spend several weeks in the yard to prepare for the next season. In La Forêt Fouesnant, Mikaël Mergui's Centrakor Hirsch is currently undergoing a major refit at Mer Agitée. An opportunity for the skipper, accompanied by Benoît Hantzperg, to detail the modifications carried out after the return from the last transatlantic race.
In this video, Mikaël Mergui takes us to the heart of the shipyard and explains the technical choices made to improve the boat's handling and ergonomics.
Adjusting the boat's balance after the last transatlantic race
The starting point for this work was the debriefing after the transatlantic race in November. Analyses carried out with the architects revealed a slight lack of balance on the boat. The Class40 tended to drift more than expected. To correct this, the team decided to slightly increase the surface area of the keel sail.
The modification is mainly located on the aft part of the daggerboard. The aim is to adjust the position of the centerboard in relation to the center of the sail to obtain a more balanced boat under sail. This type of work is meticulous. The work involves precisely shaping the new shapes from templates, then sanding and fine-tuning the surface before the finishing phases.
New favois to protect deck and crew
The most visible evolution is the addition of large favois on the sides of the boat. These hull extensions extend the planking to support the stanchions when the boat heels. When sailing, this limits turbulence and improves airflow along the deck.
But there's also a very tangible benefit for the skipper. When the boat heels, the windward wall is higher. Spray and sea breeze penetrate the deck less easily. On an ocean racing boat, these details can make all the difference over time. Less water on deck also means less humidity in the cockpit and more comfortable maneuvering.
Redesigned ergonomics for solo sailing
Inside the boat, several changes have been made to the cockpit and companionway layout. The previous version had only one access door, located on the port side. A second opening has been added to facilitate circulation between inside and outside.
This modification also improves protection against water ingress when the boat is sailing at high heel. Another change is the repositioning of the chute, which houses the manoeuvres coming from the mast step, to a more central position. This balances the two watch seats on either side.
For Mikaël Mergui, this point is essential. On a single-handed race like the Route du Rhum, the quality of rest becomes a determining factor in performance.
A complete pre-season boat check
As is often the case during a winter refit, the team took advantage of the dismantling of a large part of the equipment to carry out a complete inspection of the boat. The electronics and a large part of the electrical system were dismantled to check the condition of cables and connectors. The aim was to detect any traces of corrosion or oxidation.
On boats that make several Atlantic crossings a year, these checks become indispensable. Vibrations, humidity and salt water can quickly damage certain equipment. The mast and rigging were also thoroughly inspected. For the Centrakor Hirsch team, the good news came from the structure. Despite a particularly challenging last transatlantic race, no structural anomalies were detected.
Objective Route du Rhum
This winter refit is part of the preparation for the next major event in the sporting project. The Route du Rhum, contested solo, requires particularly rigorous preparation. The boat's reliability, ergonomics and the quality of rest on board are all key factors in performance.
There are still several weeks of work to do before the boat can be relaunched. The hull still needs to be painted, the electronics reassembled and the finishing touches applied. In this video shot at the heart of the shipyard, Mikaël Mergui opens the doors to this often discreet but essential phase of ocean racing. A time when every detail counts before setting sail again.
