The Fives skipper reaches a turning point in his Vendée Globe programme. The last technical work allowed the boat to bet setup for the Vendée Globe. "3 years ago, we never thought it would be possible. Even less so only 1.5 years before the Vendée Globe!", tells the Norman skipper. The team has worked very hard; the workload will stay tense up until putting it into the sea, which should happen within 2 weeks. Anyhow the Phoenix, with its new plumage, is now at its maximum potential.
"In three years, we reached the optimal setup we imagined with the Cabinet Lombard back when the baot was still a wreckage. It was unhoped for, yet here we are!", smiles the Fives skipper.
Lighter, more balanced
The sail design is changed, the mast put further back, forward sails tack points put further front, ballasts are modified, the keel's bulb is ligher, ... all in all, the boat is now 600kg lighter and the weight is more on the back.
The boat behavior and its performances should progress distinctly: "Last year, we already reached a big milestone thanks to its tilted drifts, but it was only a transitional setup. It wouldn't be the most efficient with the former sail design. We felt the boat wanted to go faster, but couldn't..."
X-rayed Keel and mast
Louis and his team also took advantage of the current work to get a head start on the Vendée Globe's mandatory checks, such as inspecting the lead keel. "We stripped the keel to x-ray it. That's one thing less to deal with next year!" They also scanned and reinforced the mast.
Sail recycling
The new mainsail should come just in time to be decorated with the first tests offshore. "We have sails from 2016... It was time to renew them, but we'll do it throughout those 2 years. This season, it will be a mix of old and new sails", explains Louis.
Therefore, the old J1 has been reshaped to a J2. And a former sail - bought from Kito de Pavant - becomes a J3. "We might as well use second hand sails that are taking dust. It will keep our budget tight under control, but that's also more eco-friendly. Finally, it allows us to have new sails next year for the Vendée Globe."
Temperatures are rising, it's time to sail!
Only 2 weeks remaining to work on the boat and reap the rewards and all these optimisations. "Temperatures are rising, it's time to sail!"
A respectuous and circular sporting event
The Fives IMOCA is an "upcycled" boat. Thanks to Louis, it lives a 2nd life!
Louis and his team gave a new life to a very damaged IMOCA because of a fire. This refurbishment undertaking was a real technical challenge... that succeeded in only 10 months!
Louis and his team continue to apply this upcycling principle and optimization research with a constant effort on sobriety throughout this Vendée Globe program.
Louis is also very keen on respecting everyone's work and giving a chance.
The Fives Group, a major partner in this Vendée Globe program, has been seduced by such commitment and values, as it shares the same values and responsibilities.
Fives, your partner for a more virtuous industry
For over 200 years, the Group has designed the breakthrough solutions and technologies that make industry what it is. From the first railways to the Eiffel Tower, through the spatial conquest, Fives always spearheaded the industry of the future. Pioneering decarbonization, the Group is an unconditional partner of the industry's energy transition. Through digitization, the promotion of a circular economy and the development of new processes and new energy sources, Fives puts its technological leadership to its customers' service.
www.fivesgroup.com