© Eloi Stichelbaut - polaRYSE / Holcim-PRB

The entire Holcim-PRB team gathered today in Port-La-Forêt for the relaunch of the IMOCA that Nicolas Lunven will helm this autumn around the world. After two transatlantic races and a 2-month refit, the green and blue 60’ IMOCA returned to the water this morning.

The technical team, led by Sébastien Col, was then able to install one of the new foils, which the Holcim-PRB skipper will test during a three-day offshore training session starting next week. The second foil will be installed tomorrow. Equipped with these new appendages, the IMOCA is expected to gain in performance. All attention will be on them during the upcoming offshore sailings, as Nicolas Lunven explains: "We hope this new pair of foils will lead to an overall improvement in Holcim-PRB's performance, and therefore more speed. At the moment, we are unable to say in which wind conditions they will be most favorable. What is certain is that they will bring more tolerance in navigation because they are more flexible than the previous ones. This should generate more self-regulation. In terms of shape, these foils have a straighter but also more horizontal tip, with a smaller curvature radius at the elbow. I am really looking forward to sailing to test them. If they give us full satisfaction, I will do the Vendée Globe with this pair of foils. If we have any doubts, I will sail with the old ones that we now know well,"said the skipper, pleased to see his boat back in the water. 

As for the team, smiles were visible at the end of the day after a quick relaunch and installation of the first foil. For Sébastien Col, the team manager, this end of the refit is a real satisfaction as they approach the final stretch towards the Vendée Globe. "I am impressed by the commitment of each team member. It was an important refit, the last before the round-the-world race, and everyone gave their best to meet the schedule and allow Nicolas to return to sailing as soon as possible." Rosalin Kuiper, who will take over the helm of the IMOCA after the Vendée Globe, participated in all the operations of this relaunch. The skipper is delighted to see the boat at 100% of its potential and is Nicolas's biggest supporter, who will compete in the Defi Azimut in September before bringing the 60 foot to Les Sables d'Olonne, the departure city for the Vendée Globe, in mid-October.