Ad Lib 117

Round the world foiling, Gitana 18 and Sodebo 3 style (see Ad Lib 116), comes with a price tag that is as stratospheric as the Ultims’ speeds. The more down-to-earth Class40 fleet redresses the financial balance within La Base. State of the art planing designs. Which have done much to influence the boats that we every day sailors put to sea in. FreeDom's bright livery looks suitably salt scoured. As well it might.

For Thibaut Lefevre (a Reunionaise skipper as colourful as his boat's paint job) is recently returned from racing her around the world, via the Great Capes (Good Hope, Leuuwin and Horn). In the Globe40 series.

Fellow competitor, the freshly scubbed Belgium Ocean Racing, is a new generation scow bow design. This year's Globe40 effectively spilt into two races. Such was the speed advantage, enjoyed by the scows over the 'pointus.' Albeit their skippers were, at times, compelled to wear crash hats and knee pads. So rough was the ride in a seaway.

Min River, winner of the Sydney-Hobart (double-handed), is Stargazer's berth buddy in Port Kernevel. A JPK 1030, built in the yard here. Her design philosophy strongly influenced by that of the Class40's. Although, for both ease of handling and affordability, a more manageable 35(ish) feet long.

As is her successor, the all conquering (along with the conceptually similar, Sam Manuard designed, Pogo RS) JPK 1050 (see Ad Lib 73). Which has kept pace with hull shape evolution amongst the Class40's. Both pure race boats. With the temparament of a thoroughbred stallion.

Eschewing the scow bow (principally for reasons of ride comfort, according to designer Sam Manuard) is the Beneteau First 36. A cruiser-racer capable of planing performance. A boat born with Class40 genes but made manageable for a short-handed or family crew. With sufficient creature comforts added, to enable cruising.

 Is the sales pitch. A boat which I described as a 'hot-hatch of the seas.' After a conversation with, the Lorient dwelling, Thomas and Hugo. (See Ad Lib 102.) Who own one. 

Peering from La Base's pontoons, at their boat, the cockpit and deck layout look to be short-handed sailing friendly. A welcome and unusual deviation from today's norm. 

Perhaps a result of Sam Manuard's penchant for short handed sailing. Tomorrow, I have been invited aboard for a full tour. To try the cockpit for size and to assess the below decks arrangements for practicality, aesthetics and quality.

Picture Credits

Sam Manuard taking line honours, aboard his pogo RC design, in the Cap Martinique; courtesy of Marc Marsillon.