Spindrift Racing launches

Yann Guichard's MOD70 is the fifth of the one design 70ft trimarans to be dipped

Spindrift Racing’s MOD70, hull number 5 of the series of one design trimarans, took to the water today in Lorient to the delight of skipper and Spindrift Racing CEO Yann Guichard.

Guichard, and with Director Léo Lucet, took the opportunity at the launch in Lorient to present part of his crew: Pascal Bidégorry, Billy Besson and Jacques Guichard will be onboard with the support of Nicolas Debordes, Florent Le Gal, Tim Carrie and Philippe Echassoux.

“This is of course an important day for me in the sense that the team is embarking on an exceptional human and competitive adventure," entused Yann Guichard. "And the promising performance shown by the boat reinforces my motivation to succeed with Spindrift Racing.”

Of his crew Guichard said: “It is a real privilege to gather together both a technical team with so much knowledge and experience and highly talented sailors, all multihull specialists. After an eight month construction period, we are now finally getting there and we are looking forward to performing our first tacks."

Former Banque Populaire skipper Pascal Bidégorry added: “I am absolutely thrilled to join the Spindrift Racing team and to be part of the exciting MOD70 circuit. I have already sailed with Yann, I know his personal and technical skills, which I really appreciate. Spindrift Racing will be undoubtedly be very competitive.”

After a series of static tests, on 1 February, the boat will head to her homeport of La Trinité-sur-Mer. Then, offshore and inshore training sessions with the MOD70 N°02 Michel Desjoyeaux's Foncia are planned. Spindrift Racing will line up against their competitors for the first time during local races - the Tour de Belle Ile, the Armen Race and SNSM Trophy which will give a glimpse of the potential of the MOD70.