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With the announcement of his move to Ultim, Louis Burton is opening up a new phase in his career. Between sporting continuity and a change of scale, this project is based on a solid trajectory, a new partner and a trimaran that has already proved its worth.
A course built in IMOCA before the jump to Ultim
Louis Burton has gradually made his mark on the ocean racing scene. In fourteen years of IMOCA racing, he has taken part in several editions of the Vendée Globe, culminating in a podium finish in the 2020-2021 edition under the Bureau-Vallée colors.
His career has been built around structured projects, with a stable team and a technical base in Saint Malo (BE Racing). Single-handed sailing, management of demanding boats and long-distance campaigns have formed the bedrock of his experience.
But after several cycles on a monohull, the question arose as to how the project should evolve. " I really asked myself what I wanted to do. A real introspection" explains the skipper.
Why the Ultim class is the logical next step
The move to an Ultim is not just an opportunity. It's part of a process of reflection that began after the Vendée Globe.
The Ultim class comprises 32-meter trimarans designed to sail at very high speeds, often in flight thanks to their foils. It also offers a more open framework than the IMOCA class, with programs alternating between solo racing, crewed sailing and record attempts.
This model corresponds to the evolution sought by Louis Burton. " To imagine being at the start of the Route du Rhum among the greatest multihulls is something very special" he adds.
But this choice also implies an increase in skills. Higher speeds, flight management and the risks associated with multihulls are all different from sailing an IMOCA.
Armand Thiery, a partner in ocean racing
The project is based on the arrival of a new title partner, Armand Thiery. The company, founded in 1841 and well known in the ready-to-wear sector, is involved in sailing for the first time.
The meeting with Rodolphe Deveaux, the company's CEO, came after several months of searching for financing. The partnership is a long-term one, with an initial term set until 2031.
This type of commitment helps to structure an Ultim program, whose budgets remain high. At this stage, financing is not yet complete, with an estimated budget of between 60 and 70% of what is needed to fully exploit the project.
The team remains open to the arrival of co-partners to complete the system.
Actual Ultim 3, a proven trimaran for beginners
The former Actual Ultim 3, a trimaran launched in 2015 for François Gabart (then under the colors of Macif) and designed by VPLP, was chosen as the support.
This boat has a special profile in the Ultim fleet. She's not a member of the latest generation, but she remains a reliable and well-known platform. She holds the record for a single-handed circumnavigation in 42 days and 16 hours.
The trimaran underwent a major refit between 2023 and 2024, before being stored and surveyed after the Arkéa Ultim Challenge 2024. She is due to be relaunched in Lorient in mid-June 2026.
For a first campaign, this choice allows us to focus on handling and reliability. The boat's potential is compatible with a performance objective for the Route du Rhum destination Guadeloupe, due to start on November 1, 2026.
A project structured between performance and transmission
The program is not limited to competition. It also includes an educational component with the Grain de Sable association.
Created in 2017, this structure organizes actions for young people, including meetings with skippers and boat visits. The aim is to raise awareness of the marine environment. At the same time, the BE Racing team remains at the heart of the program. Based in Saint Malo, it accompanies this move towards more demanding supports.
