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The Ultim trimaran fleet is about to welcome a new ocean giant. Team Banque Populaire is preparing the construction of the Maxi Banque Populaire 15, a 32-meter multihull designed for ocean racing.
A design team comprising several architectural firms
The Maxi Banque Populaire 15 was designed by a group of architects including Antoine Koch, Gsea Design and Finot Conq. For Antoine Koch and his firm AKO, full participation in an Ultim project is a first. In recent years, the architect has made a name for himself on IMOCA programs. This collaboration enables us to combine different approaches to naval architecture. The firms involved have experience in the design of hydrofoil racing boats and in the optimization of composite structures.
A construction site in Lorient and a mobilized industrial network
The trimaran will be built by CDK Technologies in Lorient. This yard specializes in ocean racing boats built in composite materials.
The construction of an Ultim mobilizes an extensive industrial network. Nearly 150 companies are involved in the project. Many of them are based in Brittany, in what professionals call Sailing Valley. The design and construction phases are expected to take around 40 months before the launch, scheduled for 2029.
A sports program geared to major ocean races
Once launched, the Maxi Banque Populaire 15 is due to join the main events in the Ultim class, including the Route du Rhum 2030, a highly competitive single-handed transatlantic race in this category. The team is also planning to take part in the Arkea Ultim Challenge 2032, a solo round-the-world race reserved for these multihulls.
Ultim boats are also designed for ocean records. The Jules Verne Trophy, the crewed round-the-world record, is one of the possible objectives for this type of platform.
A shipowner committed to ocean racing for nearly forty years
Banque Populaire occupies a special position in this project. The company acts as the owner of the boats racing under its colors, and not just as a financial partner. Since 1989, the team has launched several generations of racing boats. The Maxi Banque Populaire 15 will be the ninth to be built by the team, and the seventh trimaran.
