Upstream, of Stargazer, lies Lorient with its industrious wharves and mills.
To seaward, the citadel of Port Louis, where Vauban's handiwork is much in evidence, guards the narrows. The modern trapezoid tower, housing Port Control, staring over the ancient battlements like the all seeing Eye of Sauron.
Across the river, fortifications, from a more recent era, loom dark as the skies of Mordor. The World War Two Nazi submarine pens. Scourge of Allied Atlantic supply convoys and their seamen.
Now they are at the centre of a different kind of battle. La Basse is home to many a Vendee Globe challenger. . . . .
. . . . . and to the mighty ULTIM fleet. The ULTIM's are one hundred foot long, foiling trimarans, usually raced short handed. In 2016 Thomas Colville circled the world solo, in an ULTIM, taking just forty nine days. A record yet to be beaten.
On the packed pontoons of Port du Kernevel lies the boat that we have come to Lorient to see. Her bright blue bow prominent. Stargazer, three berths down, visible only by her ensign and flags.
This two tone (optional) JPK 39 is the contemporary face of French fast cruising. With performance in her genes.
Her cockpit design is an ergonomic model, for the single handed sailor, informed by solo racing success. All lines are to hand at the helm(s). An antidote to coach roof mounted mainsheets; and twin wheels pushed out to the transom, to create cockpits which prioritise the consumption of cocktails over cruising practicality.
Down below she is light, airy and well finished. With a tastefully simple aesthetic. Bracing points fall naturally to hip and hand. Stowage abounds, as does headroom. Seacocks and service points are easily accessible. "Built by sailors for sailors," I remark to Jean-Pierre Dejeenty, her designer. I could have added: "Everything that a solo sailor needs; and nothing that (s)he does not."
ULTIM courtesy of Alexis Courcoux
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