Dandelion 54

 

James, and Team Harayda, take a pontoon tour. Looking the competition over. Chatting with fellow skippers, or their preparateurs. Calling out "see you at the Vendee Globe," as they leave one boat. Perhaps 'thinking positive.' Or, perhaps there is some good news, yet to break, about their qualification.

The trio eye Charlie Dalin's Verdier design, from a distance. (In the background, behind inner furler). A boat built, in Concarneau, by Mer Concept. Launched only a year ago. Sporting the latest in wave surfing bow shapes, and large, high lift, foils.

Maybe they are drawing comparisons with their own Gentoo. Originally launched, in 2007, as Hugo Boss. Drawn by Finot-Conq. Her bow fine and wave piercing.  Built with daggerboards, before the era of offshore foils. She has a pair now. But can only bear the stresses of vestigal 'penguin wings.' (Hence the team name?) Versus MACIF's soaring 'eagle wings.'

[See picture 5, of yesterday’s post, for a view of Gentoo’s ‘flipper’ foils. See pictures 4, for the 'eagle wings' of  MACIF ].

Further on, Jeremie Beyou's Charal models another variation on the modern, wave riding, bow. The latest iteration of Sam Manuard's 'scow bow.' Much softened, from the original, to reduce slamming. Her foils similar to those of MACIF. This boat launched in 2022.

On board Initiatives Coeur (also a 2022 launch Manuard design), it is the preparateurs carrying out the fettling today.

Whilst Sam Davies is working hard, on behalf of her sponsors, ashore. Entertaining guests, in a breezy boardwalk cafe, at the head of Stargazer's pontoon.