The regularity and beauty of the waves at Le Loch beach have made this a hot spot for surfers.
2017
20
Mar 17
Mar 17
Winter Surf
Le Loch, Morbihan, Brittany, France 47º45’16″N 03º30'53″W
08
Mar 17
Mar 17
MACIF Trimaran re launched
Lorient, Morbihan, Brittany, France 47º43’40″N 03º22'09″W
The MACIF trimaran returned to sea on Wednesday 8 March, after a 4-month winter refit. In addition to checking all the parts of the boat, it mainly involved improving ergonomics. The most visible area of work carried out by the technical team focused on completely protecting the cockpit.
Being able to sail safely in dry surroundings is essential for the first single-handed round the world, which Francois Gabart is preparing to sail towards the end of the year. “Last year, we partially closed-off the cockpit. We have taken this idea further this year, with a porthole and composite bulkhead system that provides the helmsman with better. The cockpit is now completely closed. I want to be able to pilot the boat without worrying about my own safety”, explains Francois, who is satisfied with the result. This new feature must now be tested at sea!
Although the single-handed round the world record attempt is the main goal this season, Francois Gabart and Macif are also preparing for The Bridge. This race with crew will see four maxi-trimarans (Actual, Idec Sport, MACIF and Sodebo) race alongside the giant Queen Mary 2 liner, between St. Nazaire and New York (start 25 June). “The line-up will be splendid. We will be racing against Idec, which has just sailed round the world in 41 days with crew, and Sodebo, which did it in 49 days single-handed – two boats that have left their hallmark on the history of sailing”, says Francois gleefully.
For the MACIF skipper this Transat will be a new chance to further his knowledge of his 30 metre trimaran. “Right from the start, with Macif, I’ve had the following approach: each racing event serves as preparation for the next. The Bridge will prepare our round the world, which in turn will prepare the Route du Rhum 2018. Our dynamic is always to learn more and perform through progress. We do this to balance out the short-term and the long-term.”
10
Feb 17
Feb 17
Couach Yachts
Gujan-Mestras, Gironde, France 44º38'32″N 01º04'10″W
Located in the beautiful Bay of Arcachon since 1897, Couach Yachts is a French Shipyard.
Since 1897 Couach has cultivated an exceptional savoir-faire where hand-craftsmanship remains essential for the creation of unique products.
On the remarkable site on the Arcachon Bay, Couach creates made-to-measure yachts constructed by over 300 craftsmen.
Photo assignment for the GICAN. http://www.gican.asso.fr
26
Jan 17
Jan 17
Chantier Naval de Marseille
Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, France 43º20'36″N 5º20'28″E
Ferry / Passenger Ship Paglia Orba at the Chantier Naval de Marseille.
Chantier Naval de Marseille (CNdM) is a ship repair yard with modern and well equipped facilities, a highly skilled workforce, a wide network of specialists and strong teamwork ethic.
Photo assignment for the GICAN. http://www.gican.asso.fr
19
Jan 17
Jan 17
Vendée Globe 2016 – 2017 Arrival
Les Sables d'Olonne, Vendée, France 46º29’30″N 1º47’40″W
Armel Le Cléac’h crossed the Vendée Globe finish line, setting a new Vendee Globe and solo round-the-world record of 74 days, 3 hours, 35 minutes and 46 seconds and Alex Thomson crossed the finish line in 74 days, 19 hours, 35 minutes and 15 seconds, Alex Thomson has become the fastest British sailor on that route.
02
Jan 17
Jan 17
Martin Fisher
Lorient, Morbihan, Brittany, France 47º43’41″N 03º22'06″W
PhD in fluid mechanics and a PhD in geophysics on climate predictions, Dr Martin Fischer works also as a naval architect. He is considered as one of the fast multihulls specialists: he is the co-architect of Groupamas 2 and 3. His talent has also been involved for many sailboats appendages; America’s Cup yachts, Volvo Ocean Race yachts and maxi-multihulls for solo sailors…
