Fran\u00e7ois Gabart, the solo non-stop around the world record holder, has unveiled a radical new Ultim giant trimaran with ‘fighter jet’ helm stationsFrancois Gabart, currently the fastest man to sail solo non-stop around the world, has unveiled his latest trimaran, the radical SVR-Lazartigue.<\/p>\n
Previously codenamed \u2018M101\u2019 the trimaran has taken two and a half years to bring to fruition and yet again shifts the bar on what is considered radical in the giant foiling Ultim class.
\nThe most obvious innovation for the new trimaran is that it has no \u2018cockpit\u2019. Instead of a covered or protected cockpit, Fran\u00e7ois\u00a0Gabart \u2013 and his crew on crewed record attempts or races \u2013 will sail the boat from inside.\u00a0
\nLaunch day for Francois Gabart\u2019s new Ultim trimaran SVR-Lazartigue. Note the steering \u2018pods\u2019 in the middle of the flush cockpit roof Photo: Maxime Horlaville
\nBesides foil developments and the ongoing search for hydrodynamic improvements, Fran\u00e7ois\u00a0Gabart\u2019s team has placed huge emphasis on the search for aerodynamic improvements. While some of the other Ultims have retro-fitted panels to improve aero efficiency, SVR-Lazartigue has been designed for flight from the outset.
\nKey to this is the integration of the cockpit and living space within the central hull. Within the 5m2 central hull there are three main areas: a \u2018cockpit\u2019 to manoeuvre and steer the boat, a small galley space, and storage for sails etc. The cabin roof sits almost flush with the main arms and trampoline for minimum drag.
\nGiant curved foils and hydraulic controls on the SVR-Lazartigue Ultim Photo: Maxime Horlaville
\nVisibility forward is created via two fighter-jet style forward facing pods or \u2018bubbles\u2019, with a sliding access hatch \u2013 just like those on a military jet. The helmsman will be protected by a windscreen when sailing at high speeds \u2013 many Ultim skippers wear goggles to enable them to look into the wind and any spray.
\nFran\u00e7ois Gabart and his crew will only go on deck for essential repairs, and manoeuvres such as some sail changes. Like Alex Thomson\u2019s most recent Hugo Boss IMOCA 60, which also employed an inside cockpit, there will be exterior cameras to view on deck and around the trimaran.
\nAlso like a fighter jet, the trimaran has adopted a radical new control system, developed in-house. Five times smaller than the usual 1.5m-diameter wheel, the new SVR-Lazartigue trimaran will be flown with a compact 30cm wheel tucked into the cockpit, along with other foili and sail controls.
\nMerConcept founder and SVR-Lazartigue skipper Francois Gabart Photo: Maxime Horlaville
\nFran\u00e7ois Gabart explained: \u201cIt\u2019s a new way to sail. It will probably rely more on sounds and movements. We will be able to go very quickly, while being protected from an apparent wind which can reach 120 kmph.\u00a0
\n\u201cThis configuration should allow us to go even faster on the water. Under certain conditions, the speed gain is going to be enormous. What is certain is that we can go 10 to 15% faster. Over a day, that can represent 200 km\u2026\u201d
\nThe internal cockpit will also give Gabart or crew additional protection in the event of a capsize.
\nAdditional aerodynamic gains have come from careful fairing of everything from the communications antennae to the propeller. Like Thomas Coville\u2019s Sodebo, which moved the cockpit forward of the mast, the integral cockpit allows the boom to sit very flush to the deck, creating a very aerodynamic end-plating effect for improved sail efficiency.
\nOver 150,000 hours, some 40 months of work and around 20 local companies were involved in the project, which built by Gabart\u2019s MerConcept company in Concarneau, where it was unveiled yesterday as launched this Thursday in Concarneau.
\nIntegral fairings on the forward beams and super slim hull forms for maximum aero and hydrodynamic efficiency Photo: Maxime Horlaville
\nHalfway through the build, Gabart\u2019s sponsors of his winning Vend\u00e9e Globe campaign and successful around the world solo record with his previous Ultime, Macif, announced that they would not continue to back him. However, he has since secured the backing of a French cosmetics firm, Kresk, and was able to complete the build.
\nDesign was a joint project between VPLP and MerConcept\u2019s in-house team, with GSEA Design and CDK Technologies working on the floats, front and rear arms, and foils. Multiplast built the central hull, C3 Technologies the centreboard and rudders. Sails are by North Sails for the sails with a Lorima mast.
\nLow profile from bow to stern with the two \u2018fighter jet\u2019 pods just visible abaft the foil Photo: Maxime Horlaville
\nFran\u00e7ois Gabart said on launch day: \u201cThis boat is exclusively designed for offshore flight. We are living an extraordinary revolution and we do not know how far it can take us. Everything is possible and we have no limits, the trimaran SVR-Lazartigue embodies this approach. \u201d
\nAfter sea trials, Gabart\u2019s first race with SVR-Lazartigue will be the transatlantic Transat Jaques Vabre, which starts from Le Havre on November 7th. Next year will be Route du Rhum, building up the single-handed around the world race for Ultims in 2023.<\/p>\n
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Fran\u00e7ois Gabart, the solo non-stop around the world record holder, has unveiled a radical new Ultim giant trimaran with ‘fighter jet’ helm stationsFrancois Gabart, currently the fastest man to sail solo non-stop around the world, has unveiled his latest trimaran, … <\/p>\n