2010-2011 : The Rhum and the Barcelona World Race Barcelona World Race #barcelonaworldrace aboard a new monohull

The first part of this programme is already well underway because the plans for the new VPLP/Verdier prototype have been in the hands of the CDK yard since Monday 18th January, which is where the construction will begin. As such, through until March 2011, Michel will continue to sail within the Imoca Imoca #IMOCA class at the helm of what is said to be a highly original monohull, with the intention of participating in two major events : the next Route du Rhum Route du Rhum #RouteDuRhum (single-handed transatlantic race which he won back in 2002 aboard the trimaran Géant), followed by the Barcelona World Race Barcelona World Race #barcelonaworldrace , a double-handed round the world without stopovers. The latter race, organised by the FNOB (for its second edition) represents a whole new exercise for the sailor from Port La Forêt, NW France, who is well versed in large solo sports challenges. “The programme’s a bit full-on, he admits, but you have to keep on taking up challenges and calling yourself into question, without hesitation. That doesn’t bother me, in fact I’d even go so far as to say that it motivates me even more. I’m very happy about these new prospects.”

2011-2014 : The multihull and a pioneering team going back to its roots

Following on from this circumnavigation, there will be a change of programme as well as a change of circuit. Michel has always dreamed of returning to his first love, the multihull. As such, he is the first to announce his participation in the new Multi One Design circuit, whose objective between now and 2012 is to gather together an international fleet of 12 one design trimarans for a crewed offshore and inshore programme. “In all sports, there is an ultimate. In sailing, the ultimate is sailing on multiple hulls. Multihulls are spectacular, lively boats. The speed hits you immediately and draws you in, as does the sense of power. More care is required to drive these boats, which are more sophisticated, more demanding and at times dangerous… In short, they top the bill. I hope that we’ll be able to show off the beauty of these machines and that those unfamiliar with multihulls will discover the pleasures of racing such boats” says an already enthusiastic Michel.

For Foncia, which made its début within the Orma class alongside Alain Gautier, this second chapter of the programme also constitutes a return to its roots. The first test sails aboard the new Foncia trimaran are due to take place in the autumn of 2011.

QUOTES...

 Michel Desjoyeaux : “With the construction of the new monohull within a time frame of 7 and a half months, we’re going to have to break some speed records ! We have a lot of work ahead of us. I announced that to my team the day before yesterday and there eyes were sparkling. As such we’ve got a lot on our plate. As regards the one design trimaran which will follow on from that, it’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. There’s a real lack of oceanic multihulls in the French and international landscape. The future is in multihulls and I’m proud that we’re the first to announce this participation in the MOD 70 circuit.

 Guillaume Verdier, co-architect of the future IMOCA Imoca #IMOCA 60 Foncia : "It’s a new project that we’re inevitably tackling from a new viewpoint. We’re putting in place a big design team. Alongside me I’ll have Benjamin Muyl and Romaric Neyhousser, who have worked with me for some time. Alongside VPLP, it will be Xavier Guilbaud. They’ll inevitably be a great deal of exchanging of ideas, especially with Michel’s vast experience.”

 Vincent Lauriot Prévost, co-architect : “Michel has gathered together a team that we are part of and which works around him. His brother Hubert also plays a very big part. Usually it is the architect who is at the centre of these debates as regards the design, but in this instance it’s Michel who is hosting proceedings with a high level of input. He fires off ideas and then we discuss them to see whether or not we’re going to use them. He has his specifications with some clear, precise ideas of what he wants. The project must be fast as the boat has to be ready quickly. This 60 footer will be a development from the approach we took with Paprec-Virbac (second generation of the VPLP-Verdier designs), even though we’re making new moulds. And there are bound to be a fair number of “Desjoyeaux touches” in the concept.”

 Marco Simeoni, president of the MOD 70 SA : “The commitment from Foncia and Michel Desjoyeaux to the Multi One Design 70’ circuit confirms the return of the oceanic Multihull at the highest level. Michel Desjoyeaux has the biggest haul of trophies in solo sailing and the Foncia sailing team is one of the best oceanic teams in the world. This new championship integrates an environmentally responsible international circuit, which promises to be both passionate and hard-fought : the Multi One Championship 2010-2020, will group together 12 international teams on 70 foot one design multihulls, each of them battling on equal terms, racing in crewed configuration across the ocean planet. After the Swiss boat “Multi One Attitude No.1” whose aim is to protect the water, the commitment of the French sailors, led by Michel Desjoyeaux (Foncia), confirms the growing appeal of this new international oceanic class. The first event will take place in May 2012 with the European Tour !”

 Denis Horeau, race director for the Barcelona World Race : “Inevitably the arrival of Michel Desjoyeaux and Foncia is excellent news for the Barcelona World Race. It’s the second edition of this double-handed round the world, and although it’s already a polished event, it is constantly evolving. Michel is a guarantee of expansion for the race so naturally we’re very happy to have him alongside.”

 Info presse Team Foncia / www.teamfoncia.com