© ©Eloi Stichelbaut / polaRYSE / CORUM l'épargne

CORUM L’Épargne, a major protagonist in investment solutions, today announces the launch in Port-la-Forêt, Brittany, of the IMOCA CORUM L’Épargne. It is another step forward in the preparation of this latest-generation IMOCA, which will take the start of the Vendée Globe on 8 November, helmed by the skipper Nicolas Troussel, double champion of the Solitaire du Figaro.

With construction having commenced over a year ago, the IMOCA CORUM L’Épargne is now entering a crucial phase. Indeed, following months of design by naval architect, Juan Kouyoumdjian and construction and assembly at the Mer Agitée yard owned by project manager, Michel Desjoyeaux, the boat hit the water today.

Naturally, the end of the build process and the launch of the boat were completed in line with the latest health and safety measures (barrier measures, physical distancing, reduction of the teams present on site at the same time, disinfecting of the equipment) imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Over the course of the next few days, various structural testing will be carried out, together with the standard measurement procedures.

From the outset, the CORUM L’Épargne project has been subject to significant time constraints requiring both agility and adaptability, qualities which are all the more essential in the current climate. In line with official guidelines, Nicolas Troussel will now be able to go about making the boat reliable and preparing himself with the help of several experts of the highest level: Nicolas Lunven, Sébastien Josse and Thomas Rouxel.

Greg Evrard, team Director:"Adaptation, selflessness and creativity are obviously essential for moving forward in a responsible manner in view of the current situation. I’m proud of the way the team, which has only just been put together, has proven its worth thus far. This mindset is an absolute must in the bid to take up the challenge represented by the Vendée Globe."

Nicolas Troussel, skipper:"This launch heralds the start of a whole new chapter. Up till now, we’ve been involved in the build and organisation phases. Mindful of the evolution of the health crisis, I’m eager to get back out on the water. I’m really looking forward to putting in my first tacks and getting an initial feel for the balance and speed, safe in the knowledge that my team is fully focused on the success of the project."

From CORUM L'Epargne