Sailing Racing - IDEC SPORT SAILING

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Sailing
Racing
F ra n c i s J o y o n
There are no more
heroes these days…
but we can still aim to achieve what those
who got us dreaming did when we were younger.
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IDEC SPORT : an unusual combination
IDEC SPORT Racing
Presentation
The team
One team, four cars
IDEC SPORT Racing out on three fronts
IDEC SPORT Sailing
Francis Joyon’s latest challenge
Interview with Francis Joyon Francis Joyon, a relentless record-hunter The new IDEC SPORT maxi trimaran The Jules Verne Trophy, a legendary record France-China: a new route for the 21st century ICM, to enable men to remain free Official partners Follow IDEC SPORT CONTENTS: PASSION SERVING OUR SPORT
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Imag i n e o n e , s i n g l e team ,
b u t w i th tw o d i ffere n t act i v i t i es
In
the first, we can see the GTs and four-wheeled
prototypes, taking part in international endurance
or semi-endurance events. In the second, another
type of prototype, which is in fact one of the most
magnificent technological specimens in the world of ocean racing, having won among other events, the Jules
Verne Trophy, which represents the pinnacle of endurance racing around the world with a crew, and the last edition of the
Route du Rhum, the ultimate sprint across the ocean. This team
now exists united under the banner of IDEC SPORT, following
an initiative taken by the head of the IDEC GROUP, Patrice Lafargue, who is both a keen gentleman driver and loyal sponsor to the record-breaking ocean racer, Francis Joyon. At first
glance, this may seem to be a rather strange mixture, but if we
look more closely, it does make sense and has a real purpose.
A T S E A A S ON T H E R A C E T R A C K
Putting your foot down, whipping the horses, having to deal
with everything thrown at you (the waves), avoiding going
over the top and risking serious damage… What ocean racers face is not so far removed from what we find in car racing. And we’re not just putting words together here to make
Idec Sport: AN UNUSUAL COMBINATION
things clear for those who remain ashore.
Top class racing is a real mechanical sport, even if that may
surprise those who don’t follow it. “Our engine is our sails,” a
certain Loïck Peyron recently reminded us. Yes, a set of carbon
sails resulting from the latest technology, in association with
a high modulus carbon rig that is no less technological on a
body that is also made of carbon, replaces the transmission
and propulsion systems on these ocean racing prototypes, of
which Francis Joyon’s trimaran is a perfect example… These
Formula 1s of the sea, as some of the media put it in what
looks like a cliché, but which is nevertheless a fitting description. These machines are driven to create their own wind and
are able of reaching speeds that are double that of the real
wind (or even more) but it is all down to the skill of the driver.
At sea, as on the race track, the tiniest mistake in steering or
driving can see you crash off the course. Once again here,
we can get confused with the jargon and the metaphors, but
let’s remember what we are really talking about here are the
nerve signals sent from the brain through the spinal column,
as the driver faces the ocean or enters a bend on some tricky
racing circuit. It’s a fact: Francis Joyon and the other skippers
of his ilk are indeed drivers, piloting their machines. And you
don’t find great drivers without a team behind them, with all
the motivation of the engineers, mechanics, technicians, test
pilots, assistants and riggers: there is nothing closer to a car
racing team than an ocean racing team in the way the jobs are
divided up and with everyone making their own contribution
to the team effort. In both worlds, performance and excellence depend on everyone pulling together and with the team
united to give that competitive edge in what is a high-octane
sport. It is true too that in this sport, you get those moments
when the adrenalin is pumping and you find that determination to win and come out on top. But rarely do you find
the same explosive mix in jobs that seem so different on the
surface - the world of ocean racing and car racing.
A P R O M I S IN G N E W B E G INNIN G
These two worlds which both rely on innovation and organisation were until recently parallel universes. Now we are
seeing a promising new beginning, as they come together
thanks to an initiative taken by IDEC SPORT to unite in a marriage that may offer much more than we can imagine, as they
combine their skills and cross-pollinate their experiences to
enter a fascinating new dimension.
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ID E C S P O R T R ac i n g
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P atr i ce Lafarg u e : » A l i tt l e fam i l y «
P
atrice Lafargue, the President of the IDEC Group, has always been a fan of cars and races, but he has now gone one step further creating IDEC Sport Racing, a race team
that is present in two circuits in the VdeV Championship and the 24-Hour Series. He tells us why he has done this.
Where does your passion for car racing come from?
It was a passion in my family that was handed down by
my father and grandfather, who were crazy about cars, so
it is in the Lafargue family genes. I always followed the
major races, in particular, Formula 1. And now, my son Paul
shares this love of cars, and he too is passionate about
racing. Like me, he became a driver late on, as he firstly
focused on his studies, but he learns fast and is gifted. It’s
a great pleasure for me to be out there competing with him
and I really enjoy it.
Why did you set up IDEC Sport Racing?
I really discovered racing almost ten years ago, encouraged
by the head of a company I had bought, and he was the first
to give me the opportunity of getting in the driver’s seat. I
was hooked from the start and gradually, I drove more and
more regularly, taking lessons and getting advice from the
professionals… Until last year, I raced with teams already
in place as a client, in particular Ruffier Racing, and in the
end, I took the decision late last year to take over the existing team privately and to set up IDEC Sport Racing, which
is an extension of Ruffier. We stepped up the number of
people involved by hiring, but also invested in capital, which
means we now have four cars in the team. We take part in
the VdeV Championship aboard a GT and a Proto, and in the
24-Hour Series, with 12 and 24–hour endurance races.
What are you hoping to achieve
in these endurance championships?
Our first priority is to enjoy ourselves. That’s fundamental
as we have to travel around a lot and we spend a lot of
time on the circuits. Above all, it must not become a chore.
Presentation of IDEC SPORT RACING
In my job, I have to work extremely hard and to relax I go
and race cars. We have built up a team that is a bit like a
family, and it’s great to spend a few weekends each year
with this little family. I am hoping to enjoy myself driving
on legendary race courses such as the Mugello, which I
love. It’s a fantastic track in an incredible location, and then,
there’s Spa, which is my favourite, the reference race track,
but I also love the environment, the atmosphere at these
meetings. These championships bring together enthusiasts
with 80% being gentlemen drivers, which means they need
to be committed.
What about the results?
Like the other competitors, we like to get good results and
do our best to get as high up as possible. In the business
world, we are competitors and it’s the same when I get
behind the wheel. I find it fascinating learning how to improve and seeing that our hard work pays off. It’s a huge
challenge that generates a lot of emotions, when you get
good results. That was the case last year, as we won the
European GT3 championship in the VdeV with my son Paul,
but once again earlier this year with three wins in the first
four events of the season. We could not have imagined a
better start! I need this adrenalin boost and the sporting
challenge is really exciting.
What are your goals in the short and medium term?
This year, the goal is to get the team up and running, and
also to continue to get good results. Last year we were
champions (with Paul) and the goal is to win at least one of
the championships we are competing in this year. After that,
I would like to take things further moving to even bigger
circuits, aiming for the European Endurance Championship
and the Le Mans 24-Hour Race.
When will you be competing
in the Le Mans 24-Hour Race?
In 2016 or 2017. We’ll see. If we go to Le Mans, it’s to be a
serious contender. We’ll need to get approved by the ACO,
which gets lots of applications with few making it through
the process, so it isn’t easy. We are going to have to show
what we can do first to be able to apply. I’m now 54, and
as I’m dreaming of taking part in the 24-Hour Race with my
son, I am going to have to get a move on!
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S
et up this year, the IDEC Sport Racing team was the result of a meeting between Patrice Lafargue and Jean-Claude Ruffier. Dédicated to endurance racing, it has a staff of
seven full-time employees and does not hide its ambitions of developing.
Launched in 2015 by Patrice Lafargue, President of the IDEC
Group, IDEC Sport Racing continues with the work done by
Ruffier Racing, a professional car racing team competing
in the GT circuit, which was set up back in 2001 by Jean
Claude and James Ruffier and which went on to achieve a
solid set of results in the various championships in which
it competed. After discovering the pleasures of driving in
2007 thanks to a friend, Patrice Lafargue got the bug and
along with his son Paul competed in several endurance
championships, in particular in the colours of Ruffier Racing. Late in 2014, wishing to fulfil his passion for driving,
he privately bought the team and renamed it IDEC Sport Racing, named after the IDEC company, he has been President
of since 1998.
Jean-Claude Ruffier, with a wealth of experience of car
racing, has remained in his post as team-manager, while
the team expanded in particular with the arrival of two engineers who work alongside the boss, Frédéric Ducastel
and Jean-Noël Le Gall, who take care of the mechanics and
strategy. In 2015, IDEC Sport Racing has seven full-time
employees and up to twenty people during race meetings,
with mechanics, truck drivers who transport the cars and
a press officer. The team’s premises are in Fontenay-Trésigny (Seine-et-Marne), 1000 m2 of workshops are given
over to preparing and servicing the cars, including one service workshop for engines and gear-boxes. During the race
meetings, the team has several trucks to ensure the transport of the cars, as well as a 330m² reception area, which
is set up to welcome partners.
The IDEC Sport Racing team competes in three endurance
championships: two within the VdeV, with two Porsches in
the Endurance Challenge/GT and two Ligiers in the prototype Endurance Challenge and the 24-Hour Series with a
Porsche. As for the drivers, Patrice and his son, Paul Lagargue compete in all three championships along with Dimitri Enjalbert, a professional driver in the Prototype Endurance Challenge, where you race with three and with Gabriel
Abergel in the 24-Hour Series, while in the two VdeV events,
THE IDEC SPORT RACING team
Frédéric and Nicolas Rocha take part along with William
Cavailhes in the prototype. In the colours of Ruffier Racing
in 2014, Patrice and Paul Lafargue became champions in
the GT Endurance Challenge and their goal in 2015 is to
keep their title and do well in the other two championships
also.
Looking further ahead, Patrice Lafargue wants to expand
the team still further and compete in bigger championships,
aiming in particular to line up in the Le Mans European
Series in 2016, which involves competing throughout the
whole season on the most prestigious race tracks in Europe
allowing the winners in the LMP2 and LM GTE categories to
take part in the Le Mans 24-Hour Race in the following year,
which is the ultimate goal for the boss of IDEC Sport Racing,
who is dreaming of competing in the most prestigious endurance events alongside his son, as well as taking part in
the FIA World Endurance Championship, which includes the
Le Mans 24-Hour Race.
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T
he IDEC Sport Racing team will be competing on several fronts in 2015 with the 24Hour Series, but also the VdeV Endurance Series, where they are taking part in both
the prototype and GT categories. We take a look at the team’s weapons, the Porsche
911 GT3-R and 997 Cup and the Ligier JS 53.
P r o t o t y pe :
L i g i er , the reb i rth o f a l ege n d
gt :
P o rsche cars , wh i ch ha v e n o th i n g l eft t o pr o v e
The result of the legendary manufacturer Ligier and the Sarthe based company Onroak Automotive coming together in late 2013, the Ligier JS 53 left a strong impression in March in
Barcelona on the Montmelo track by winning the first race of the season. The aerodynamic
qualities of the Ligier JS 53, developed in a wind tunnel, now benefit from the experience
and modifications made during the winter by Onroak Automotive. A new kit allowing improvements when rounding bends at speed while reducing tyre wear has been developed.
The engineers also focused on driver comfort and ease of maintenance. With a monocoque carbon frame approved by the FIA and a Honda 2 litre engine offering 255 HP, the
weight still remains below 570 kilos. With a wheelbase of 2654 millimetres (length 4620
mm, width 1800 mm), the Ligier JS 53 EVO 2 is fitted with a six-speed SADEV sequential
gearbox. This all makes them fierce machines, when in the hands of the drivers of the
IDEC Sport Racing team.
In the GT circuit, the IDEC team is relying on cars whose performance capability has already
been shown, the famous Porsche 911 GT3-R (type 997) and the Porsche 997 Cup. The former, which has been improved over the years by the Weissach firm, is fitted with a 4-litre
flat six engine, offering 500HP and a six speed sequential gearbox with steering wheel
controls. Her weight is 1200 kilos.
As for the 911 Cup (Type 997), competing in the 24-Hour Series, she also has a six flat
engine offering 450 HP. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a six speed sequential
gearbox. The spoiler has been lowered by 15 millimetres in comparison to the road version
and the adjustable rear spoiler is fixed higher up offering more width (1.7 metres). She has
a 100-litre tank and the Porsche 997 Cup is fitted with a quick fuel filling system, which
makes her ideal for endurance racing.
One team, four cars
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F
or their first season, IDEC Racing Sport is competing in three Endurance championships, recognised by the FIA, two in the V de V Endurance
Series, to be precise the GT/Touring Car Endurance Challenge and the Prototype Endurance Challenge, with a third entry in the 24-Hour Series.
These circuits feature essentially what are known as gentlemen drivers, in other words racing car enthusiasts, who want to get the opportunity to race on the most prestigious circuits in Europe in touring cars or more advanced prototypes. Alongside them, you can find
professional or semi-professional drivers. The passion that unites those involved in these championships means that these race meetings
(the various legs of each championship) are conducted in a friendly atmosphere, allowing people to get together and for PR operations
to be organised. However, the competitive aspect remains, as for many of the teams, including IDEC Sport Racing, these championships
are also a stepping stone to reach the higher categories of the European Le Mans Series and the World Endurance Championship, which
represent the pinnacle of endurance racing with the Le Mans 24-Hour Race as the leading event.
T he V d eV G T t o u r i n g car E n d u ra n ce C ha l l e n ge
Created in 1992 by Eric Van de Vyver, hence the name, the V
de V Endurance Series has developed a lot since then with the
aim of organising endurance races in a friendly atmosphere
respecting the rules of the French and International car racing
federations (the Fédération Française du Sport Automobile and
the FIA). Five different championships occur within each VdeV
race meeting, including the two involving the IDEC Sport Racing team. For each meeting, the trucks leave the garages in
Fontenay-Trésigny on Tuesdays to head for the race circuit,
with the teams arriving on Thursdays. Friday is given over to
trials, while the qualifiers take place on Saturday morning,
with racing taking place on Saturday afternoon and Sunday.
The line-up at the GT / touring car Challenge has continued to
expand over the seasons, welcoming various car models with
engines from 4 to 12 cylinders using race formats in general
lasting around four hours. In 2015 it involves around fifteen
cars, including the two Porsche cars in the colours of IDEC
SPORT Racing, a GT 911 GT3-R driven by Patrice and Paul
Lafargue (the GT championship holders), and a Porsche Cup in
the hands of Frédéric and Nicolas Da Rocha..
T he V d eV P r o t o t y pe
E n d u ra n ce C ha l l e n ge
Disputé sur des épreuves plus longues qu’en GT/Tourisme,
le Challenge Proto se court, comme son nom l’indique,
sur des prototypes, il représente la première étape reconnue pour tout pilote souhaitant accéder au firmament des
courses d’endurance, Le Mans Series et World Endurance
Championship. Le niveau ne cesse de croître sur ce circuit qui
accueille entre 25 et 30 voitures au départ de chaque meeting, dont les deux Ligier JS53 du team IDEV Sport Racing.
T he 2 4 H S E R I E S
The 24H series has gradually developed since 2006, when
the first race took place, the Dubai 24-hour race, under the
auspices of the organiser, the Dutch firm, Creventic. As in the
VdeV Championship, the aim of this championship is to offer
gentlemen drivers, accompanied by professionals and semi-professionals, the opportunity to take part in 12 and 24hour endurance races on circuits in Europe and Dubai. This
championship is open to a wide range of touring cars. IDEC
Sport Racing is lining up in these events in the 997 category,
reserved for the Porsche Cup 997 and 991.
The calendar for the 2015 season
The calendar for the 2015 season
The Barcelona-Catalunya 4-Hour Race (20-21-22 March)
The Barcelona-Catalunya 6-Hour Race (20-21-22 March)
The calendar for the 2015 season
The Mugello 4-Hour Race (24-25-26 April)
The Mugello 6-Hour Race (24-25-26 April)
The Dubai 24-Hour Race (8-9-10 Jan)
The Motorland Aragon 4-Hour Race (29-30-31 May)
The Motorland Aragon 6-Hour Race (29-30-31 May)
The Mugello 12-Hour Race (12-13-14 March)
The Dijon 3-Hour Race (26-27-28 June)
The Dijon 4-Hour Race (26-27-28 June)
The Zandvoort 12-Hour Race (29-30 May) *
The Paul-Ricard 4-Hour Race (28-29-30 Aug)
The Paul-Ricard 12-Hour Race (28-29-30 Aug)
The Paul-Ricard 24-Hour Race (10-11-12 July)
The Magny-Cours 4-Hour Race (9-10-11 Oct)
The Magny-Cours 6-Hour Race (9-10-11 Oct)
The Barcelona 24-Hour Race (4-5-6 Sept)
The Estoril 6-Hour Race (6-7-8 November)
The Estoril 6-Hour Race (6-7-8 Nov)
The Brno 12-Hour Race (9-10 Oct)*
(*) Because these races don’t fit in with the schedule,
IDEC Racing Team won’t be competing in these events
IDEC Racing Team out on three fronts
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ID E C S P O R T sa i l i n g
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At
the age of 59, Francis Joyon is about to
tackle his first crewed record, and it is far
from being any old record, as he aiming to
win the Jules Verne Trophy. Joyon already
holds the solo round the world record, but
is now hoping to achieve a historic ocean racing double
by achieving the same record but this time with a crew.
To achieve this, he will be setting sail on a boat that has
already proved herself winning the Jules Verne Trophy
(in 2010) but also two Route du Rhum races (2010 and
2014). The former Groupama 3 and Banque Populaire VII
will be in the colours of IDEC SPORT, when she sets off
around the world.
45 days 13 hours 22 minutes and 53 seconds. That is the
reference time Francis Joyon is aiming for in the Jules
Verne Trophy. A time set in 2012 by Loïck Peyron and his
crew aboard Banque Populaire V. The crewed round the
world race via the three capes (Good Hope, Leuuwin and
the Horn), the Jules Verne Trophy had had sailors dreaming
since 1993 and the initial reference time set by Bruno Peyron and his men with a time of 79 days 6 hours 15 minutes
Francis Joyon’s latest challenge
and 46 seconds. Twenty two years on, Francis Joyon will be
tackling this legendary record. He certainly knows his way
around the world having sailed it twice alone and on both
occasions smashing the outright record. His performance in
2008 (57 days 13 hours 34 minutes and 6 seconds) is still
the record today. At the time, he even managed to achieve
the second best time ever, including the time achieved by a
crew. Today, only three crews have done better than Francis
Joyon (Orange II in 2005, Groupama 3 in 2010 and Banque
Populaire V in 2012).
F ra n c i s J o y o n ’ s
v er y f i rst crewe d rec o r d
Over the years, Francis Joyon has built up an incredible list
of achievements sailing solo. Apart from the round the world record, he still holds the prestigious North Atlantic record.
Over the last few years on his faithful IDEC, he smashed the
Columbus Route record as well as the 24-hour record. Holding a record number of solo records, Francis is a rookie as
far as crewed racing is concerned. Respecting his principle
of keeping things simple and efficient, he will be sailing
with a short-handed crew with a maximum of 6 people on
board during the Jules Verne. In comparison, there were ten
on board Groupama 3 and 14 on Banque Populaire V.
Da v i d aga i n st G o l i ath
It is in November that Francis Joyon will go on stand-by
to await a window of opportunity in the weather to set off
around the world. At the same time, another maxi trimaran,
and one that is far from being insignificant, will also be going
on stand-by: Spindrift 2, the world’s biggest ocean racing
trimaran, which is none other than the former Banque Populaire V, the Jules Verne Trophy record-holder. A monster
of power ,beside which the new IDEC SPORT maxi trimaran
is almost dwarfed with her 31.50 metres and shortened rig.
However, Francis Joyon beleives he is in with every chance
abord his light trimaran, which is safe and suits a range of
conditions. A talented skipper, a well rehearsed crew, an
efficient boat: Francis Joyon has what it takes to pull off this
amazing double…
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»My turn
t o tack l e
th i s amaz i n g
a d v e n t u re «
F
or the solo round the world record holder, the
Jules Verne Trophy will be an opportunity to
achieve a historic double. If he succeeds, it will be
all the more amazing as Francis Joyon at the age
of 59 will be catt’empting his first crewed record.
Aboard IDEC SPORT (ex Groupama 3 sailed by Franck
Cammas and ex-Banque Populaire VII sailed by Armel Le
Cléac’h and then Loïck Peyron), Joyon is gambling on a
light weight boat and will be sailing with a short-handed
crew. He explains why.
Francis, what does the Jules Verne Trophy represent for you?
I have closely followed all the attempts since 1993. Each
time I had a lot of admiration for the sailors setting sail
around the world as part of a crew. Now it’s my turn to
tackle this incredible adventure. This is a huge challenge:
I could become the first sailor to smash the solo round the
world record and then the crewed record. The Jules Verne
Trophy will be a new exercise for me. I’m going to have to
learn how to manage a team. And unlike solo sailing, we
shall be getting more or less 100% of the potential of the
boat. That’s exciting as I shall be discovering a bigger boat
than my previous trimaran (31.50 m as opposed to 29.70
Interview WITH Francis Joyon
m), with a huge speed potential, as the new IDEC SPORT
appears to be capable of reaching 40 knots relatively easily.
That is very promising.
Spindrift 2, the boat that holds the Jules Verne Trophy (in the colours of Banque Populaire V in 2012), is
also due to go on stand-by this autumn. Isn’t it going
to be tough to beat the world’s biggest ocean racing
trimaran (40 m)?
IDEC SPORT will be in with ever chance against Spindrift 2
and we’ll be setting out without any inferiority complex. The
history of the Jules Verne Trophy and ocean racing in general, has tended quite logically to see continuous growth
in size and technology. We’re not going for that and have
chosen a smaller boat. IDEC SPORT will be a good all round
maxi trimaran with the ability to accelerate and a favourable weight to power ratio. The length and weight of Spindrift 2 means it is tough to sail her. Even if we put Spindrift
to one side, the bar is very high, as we have to complete
the voyage in less than 45 days 13 hours and 42 minutes
to win the Jules Verne Trophy. In 2010, Groupama 3 made it
around the world in 48 days with weather that was far from
ideal. The boat has the potential to do it in a few days less
and can improve on the current record. Particularly as at the
time, Franck Cammas and his crew were sailing very cautiously after filing on their first two attempts. We’re going
to have to be push hard all the way and not suffer any damage, so there is going to be an element of luck involved...
» W i th her l i ght
we i ght , the n ew ID E C
S P O R T tr i mara n
i s a jet f i ghter . «
Why did you choose a smaller rig, as this is the
configuration usually used for solo sailing?
The smaller mast is more efficient and effective when the
wind is above twenty knots. After a study of the weather
carried out in collaboration with the router Jean-Yves
Bernot, we should often encounter these conditions as
we tackle the Jules Verne Trophy. It is of course lighter
and the smaller rig means the boat is safer and cuts
through the water more easily. The risk of structural da-
mage is reduced, as the loads are not as high. With the
big mast, we would have needed at least ten on board,
while with the configuration we have gone for, there will
be at most six of us (as opposed to 14 for the holder of
the Jules Verne Trophy, Banque Populaire V in 2012 and
10 for Groupama 3 in 2010). The fact that we have a
short-handed crew means we can simplify work on board
and go for a light approach by saving weight in terms of
food, safety gear, clothes… With her light weight, the
new IDEC SPORT trimaran is a jet fighter.
What will be your programme in the coming months?
The boat is currently under charter to Lending Club and
we’ll be getting her back on 15th September. We’re
going to have a very busy period, as the right time to go
on stand-by for the Jules Verne is the start of November.
Before that, we’re going to have to get the boat in the
colours of IDEC SPORT, step the small mast, adapt the
deck hardware, get the boat back in shape and schedule
training sessions. We’re not going to get bored with all
that going on.
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F ra n c i s J o y o n ,
a n o u tsta n d i n g track
Holder first
Ultimate Trophy
(rewarding the holder
4 biggest solo records)
World Tour
Atlantic record
Solo 24-hour record
Record of Discovery Road
He
wants to become the first sailor to hold the two most
prestigious round the world records, sailing solo and
with a crew (the Jules Verne Trophy): Francis Joyon’s
latest challenge is certainly a fascinating one. It is
what you might expect from a sailor, who although
very discreet when ashore, is tough and determined at sea, and over
the years has built up an exceptional list of successes.
Francis Joyon has shown that you can grow up a long way from the sea (80
miles or so from Paris), come from a family in which no one sails and still
become an exceptional sailor. It was during his adolescence during a training
course at the Glénans sailing school that Francis went aboard a boat for the
first time. This was a revelation for the young man, who then signed on as
a volunteer looking after the fleet of boats at the centre. The man from the
country had become a sailor. He learnt on the spot and then clocked up the
miles doing delivery trips around the world’s seas, seeing this also as way of
enjoying his love of nature. After that, he simply would not stop sailing.
At the end of the eighties, Francis met Paul Vatine and made his first incursion
into the world of ocean racing on the Columbus Route between Cadiz and
Salvador, making it to the podium. It was the start of a long and brilliant career.
Francis Joyon’s philosophy comes from Lavoisier. To compete in his first Route
du Rhum, in 1990, Francis recuperated the floats from the former Elf Aquitaine
catamaran in la Trinité-sur-Mer to build his new boat. By giving a new life to a
multihull that had been left to all winds and weathers, he proved that you can
francis joyon, A RELENTLESS RECORD-HUNTER
be efficient even without a lot of financial means. It was already
an indication of how he would carry out future projects even
today: doing the essential things and doing a lot with very little.
C has i n g after rec o r d s
His meeting with the IDEC Group was to mark a turning point
in his career. Alongside his new partner, Francis Joyon began
chasing after every record, starting with the most prestigious,
the non-stop, solo round the world record. He set off aboard
his first giant trimaran, Olivier de Kersauson’s Sport Elec, which
became IDEC, and had been designed to be raced with a crew
of six or seven people. In 2004, he set a new reference time
around the world completing the voyage in 72 days 22 hours
54 minutes and 22 seconds: an amazing performance. A year
later, the British sailor, Ellen MacArthur grabbed the record from
him, giving Francis an opportunity to set off again. Meanwhile,
he shattered another legendary record, the solo North Atlantic
crossing. But on the delivery trip home between the Lizard and
la Trinité-sur-Mer in Brittany, exhausted, he fell asleep and after
an electrical failure, his trimaran ran aground on the rocks near
Saint-Guénolé. A huge blow, but the giant wasn’t going to give
up after that. He had a new boat specially designed to tackle the
solo round the world voyage. Aboard IDEC, the second to bear
the name he smashed the record completing the journey in 57
days 13 hours 34 minutes and 6 seconds. A huge feat, which
so far no one has equalled. At the helm of his red arrow, he improved on other major records: the North Atlantic, the 24-hour
record, the Columbus Route. Last summer after setting a new
North Atlantic solo record, he put it rather nicely declaring, “Today, there are no more heroes, but sometimes we can still aim
to achieve what those who got us dreaming did when we were
younger.” A fine lesson in modesty from the sailor, who also likes
to open up new sea routes, as we saw when he launched the
route between France and Mauritius in 2009 or the Friendship
Route in 2014, and as he is planning to do once again in 2016
with a new route between France and China.
F ra n c i s ’ s l atest cha l l e n ge
Next autumn, Francis Joyon will be back out there chasing
after records, but this time with a crew by tackling the legendary Jules Verne Trophy, the crewed round the world voyage,
at the helm of a maxi trimaran (ex Groupama 3 then Banque
Populaire VII). The time to beat is 45 days 13 hours 42 minutes
and 53 seconds set in 2012 by Loïck Peyron and his crew on
Banque Populaire V. If he manages to do better, Francis Joyon
will become the first man to hold the two finest world records
sailing solo and with a crew. The bar is high up, but certainly
not above the capability of a sailor like Francis Joyon.
L i st o f ach i e v eme n ts
(extracts)
2014.
2014.
2013.
2013. 2012.
2010. 6th in the Route du Rhum
Friendship Route Record between Bordeaux
and Rio de Janeiro in 13 d, 4 h, 05’ and 19’’
Solo North Atlantic Record in 5 d 2 h 56’ and 10’’ (record still in place today)
Columbus Route record in 8 d 16 h 7’ and 5’’
(bettered by Armel Le Cléac’h)
Solo 24-hour record sailing 666.2 miles (bettered by Armel Le Cléac’h)
2nd in The Route du Rhum
2009.
2008.
2007.
2005.
2004.
2001.
2000.
Record between France and Mauritius
in 26 d 4 h 13’ and 29’’ (initial reference time)
Outright solo round the world record
in 57 d 13 h 34’ and 6’’ (record still in place today)
Solo Channel crossing
in 6 h 23’ and 36’’ (record still in place today)
Solo North Atlantic crossing
in 6 d 4 h 01’ and 37’’
Outright solo round the world record
in 72 d 22 h 54’ and 22’’
Winner of the Fastnet
Winner of the Europe 1 transatlantic race
Press pack
25
A b o at that has a l rea d y pr o v e d herse l f
T
he former Groupama 3, which became Banque Populaire VII, the new IDEC SPORT maxi trimaran has achieved
a remarkable set of results: the holder of the Jules Verne Trophy from 2010 to 2012, the boat also won the last
two editions of the Route du Rhum – among other successes. Nine years after being launched, this all-round
multihull has a fine future ahead of her in the expert hands of Francis Joyon.
It was in December 2004 that Groupama announced the
construction of a giant trimaran to attempt to smash the
major ocean records, with as a climax the legendary Jules
Verne Trophy. At a time when the arms race was on, Groupama wanted to design a boat of a reasonable size, the
smallest trimaran capable of beating Orange II. Franck
Cammas and his team opted for a length of 31.50 metres
(105 feet) designed by the designers, Marc Van Peteghem
and Vincent Lauriot-Prévost. The construction of Groupama
3 began in 2005 at the Multiplast yard in Vannes. After almost 130,000 hours of work, the boat was launched on 7th
June 2006. “We decided to come up with a trimaran with
average power,” stressed Cammas when he presented his
project. “Groupama 3 is light, but nevertheless long enough
to be safe in the Southern Ocean. The power comes from
The new IDEC SPORT maxi trimaran
her width, while the light weight is the result of a lot of
work on the structure, a reasoned approach to choosing
the gear and fittings, as well as careful attention during
the construction process.” Groupama 3 had an innovative
concept inspired by the 60-foot Orma trimarans (including
Groupama 2) as well as the previous giants, which were
heavier and designed for the Southern Ocean. While Orange
II (36.80 metres) was to be feared in heavy seas, she struggled in light airs and moderate conditions. Groupama 3
was a much better all-rounder: she sailed quickly in heavy
weather, while was much more at ease in lighter conditions.
Another new feature: Groupama 3 was the first big multihull
to set off around the world with foils, a concept previously
used by the Orma triamarans, but only in the Atlantic.
M i sf o rt u n es a n d g o o d f o rt u n e
i n the J u l es Ver n e T r o ph y
Before tackling the Jules Verne Trophy, Cammas and his
crew carried out a record campaign in the Atlantic with several successes: the Columbus Route (Cadiz-San Salvador)
in May 2007, Miami-New York in June 2007, the North Atlantic record and the 24-hour record in July. After these
successes, Groupama 3 was ready to take up the huge
challenge for which she had been designed and built. On
24th January 2008, the trimaran set off on her first attempt.
But on 18th February, Groupama 3 capsized off New Zealand, at a point when she had a lead of one day over the
reference time set by Orange II. The crew was quickly rescued and the boat was towed and brought back to France.
There had been a lot of damage, but after a lot of work in
the yard, Groupama 3 was rebuilt as she had been before
using the same moulds. On 5th November 2009, the multihull was ready to give it a second go. Structural damage
(a break in the connection between the rear beam and the
port float) off South Africa was soon to shatter Cammas
and his crew’s hopes. The third attempt would be the right
one: on 31st January 2010, with a few days to go to the
official conclusion of the stand-by period, Groupama 3 cast
off to give it one more go, although it was looking tricky as
the weather was far from ideal. For a long time behind the
reference time set by Orange II in 2005 (50 days 16 hours
20 minutes and 4 seconds), Groupama 3 went on to smash
the Jules Verne Trophy record thanks to an incredible final
stretch after crossing the Equator and before reaching the
finish. On 20th March, Cammas and his men achieved a
new record time of 48 days 7 hours 44 minutes and 52 seconds. They became the seventh holders of the Jules Verne
Trophy, which started in 1993.
T w o w i n s f o r the b o at
i n the R o u te d u R h u m
Once again in 2010, Franck Cammas took up a challenge
that many people thought was impossible or at the very
least extremely complicated, as he was aiming to win the
Route du Rhum sailing alone on his 31.5m maxi trimaran,
fitted with a shorter mast and a more suitable deck layout.
Cammas’s performance was truly amazing. After 9 days 3
hours 14 minutes and 47 seconds of sailing, he came in
first in Pointe-à-Pitre ahead of Francis Joyon and Thomas
Coville. The boat was then bought and became Banque Populaire VII. Relaunched on 15th April 2013 in Lorient, the
boat added more successes to her list of achievements in
the hands of Armel Le Cléac’h, who smashed several solo
records aboard her: the Mediterranean record, the Columbus Route record and the greatest distance sailed in 24
hours (682 miles). Suffering from an injured hand, Armel Le
Cléac’h was forced to step down from the Route du Rhum
and was replaced at the last moment by Loïck Peyron at the
helm of the maxi trimaran, the title-holder in the prestigious
transatlantic race. After a fantastic race, Peyron won the
tenth edition of the Route du Rhum with a time of 7 days,
15 hours 8 minutes and 32 seconds – a new race record!
Now in the colours of IDEC SPORT with Francis Joyon at
the helm, the maxi trimaran has not yet finished harvesting
successes…
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» ID E C S P O R T ca n certa i n l y beat S p i n d r i ft 2
a n d w i n the J u l es Ver n e T r o ph y . «
D
esigner with the VPLP team, Xavier Guilbaud
gives us his point of view about the clash between
IDEC SPORT (31.50 m) and the giant Spindrift 2
(ex Banque Populaire V, 40 m) which is set to
occur in the autumn as they attempt to win the
Jules Verne Trophy..
«Spindrift 2 and IDEC SPORT will both be on stand-by in the
autumn for the Jules Verne Trophy. It’s going to be fascinating to watch the battle between the two teams. In one corner, we have an extremely powerful boat and in the other a
“moped” sailed by a short-handed crew. The idea of IDEC
SPORT winning is certainly a possibility. Light and easy to
handle with her small rig, the boat is at ease in transition
zones. She could really shine during the trip down and back
up the Atlantic. IDEC SPORT will on the other hand be handicapped when the wind is blowing at less than ten knots,
but that shouldn’t happen very often at all in the Jules Verne
Trophy voyage. In the Southern Ocean, if the two boats experience the same conditions, there won’t be much between
them. IDEC SPORT is a safe boat which you can push hard
without worrying. Having said that, Spindrift 2 has had a
The new IDEC SPORT maxi trimaran
Specifications
lot of work done on her and will be a serious competitor.
On paper, she should be faster than when she was in the
colours of Banque Populaire V. It is possible for IDEC SPORT
and Spindrift 2 to beat BP V’s 45 days. The bar has been
placed high, to a point where the weather is going to be
the deciding factor. At the start of the Jules Verne Trophy,
we can get a clear vision of the weather situation down to
the Cape of Good Hope and the entrance into the Southern
Ocean. But after that, we’re into the unknown. The record is
often decided on the way back up the Atlantic, so there’s a
certain amount of luck involved...»
Architects. Cabinet VPLP
Previous names. Maxi Trimaran Solo
Banque Populaire VII
Length. 31,50 m
Beam. 22,50
Displacement. 18 000 kg
Draught. 5,70 m
Mast height. 33,50m
Structure. Carbone-Nomex
Upwind sail surface. 411 m2
Downwind sail surface. 678 m2
Initial launch date. Juin 2006
Press pack
29
A
round the world in eight days was published by Jules Verne in 1873 and inspired
sailors to create one of the greatest ocean
adventures of modern times, the Jules
Verne Trophy. Since the first attempts in
the winter of 1993, the crewed round the world record has attracted a lot of interest. Far from being
over, it already has a rich history. By taking part
in his first crewed record attempt, Francis Joyon
could well write a new chapter in this saga…
The Jules Verne Trophy, a legendary record
It is one of Jules Verne’s most famous novels, written in 1872
and published in 1873. Around the world in Eighty Days tells
the story of the adventures of an English gentleman, Phileas
Fogg, who took up the crazy challenge of getting around the
world in eighty days or less. To achieve that, he was able to
use any form of transport he wanted including sailing... After a series of incredible adventures, he returned to London
five minutes under eighty days after setting out. More than a
century after the book was published, this classic of French
literature would become the source of inspiration for a group
of sailors, starting with Yves Le Cornec, who in 1984 wanted
to refit the William Saurin, Eugène Riguidel’s giant trimaran
to attempt to sail around the world in less than eighty days.
But the project didn’t take off due to a lack of funding. In
1989, thirteen sailors tackled the first edition of the Vendée
Globe Challenge, the non-stop solo round the world race on
monohulls. Titouan Lamazou won the event after 109 days
and 8 hours. Which tempted others to launch projects to sail
around the world on a multihull and follow in the footsteps of
Phileas Fogg…
Press pack
31
T he d i n n er where i t a l l bega n
On 13th August 1990, Yvon Fauconnier invited a few friends
to his barge in Neuilly-sur-Seine near Paris. Among those
present there was Titouan Lamazou, Florence Arthaud, Bruno and Loïck Peyron, Jean-Yves Terlain, the New Zealander, Peter Blake and the British sailor, Robin Knox-Johnston.
Together, they came up with the basis for the Jules Verne
Trophy defining the course as a round the world race via
the three capes: Good Hope, Leeuwin and the Horn. The
start and finishing line were to be the Créac’h Lighthouse
on Ushant, and the Lizard Lighthouse at the south-western
tip of Britain.
T hree p i o n eer i n g crews
In the winter of 92/93, three crews took up the challenge.
The first to set off was Olivier de Kersauson as the pathfinder when he left the Brest roadstead behind, but he didn’t
respect the course defined by his friends three years earlier.
The crews, one skippered by Bruno Peyron and the other by
Peter Blake and Robin Knox-Johnston, headed for the start
zone as laid down in the instructions and set off with a gap
of seven hours between them. Off Cape Town, Kersauson
hit a growler and saw his hopes vanish. The two others
continued to do battle. In the Indian Ocean, the British / New
Zealand led crew hit a UFO and they too were forced out
of the race. Bruno Peyron and his men found themselves
racing against the clock and kept going in spite of an epic
rounding of the Horn (with 70-knot winds). On Tuesday 20th
April 1993, they crossed the finishing line after 79 days, 6
hours, 15 minutes and 46 seconds of racing to become the
first holders of the Jules Verne Trophy and in so doing went
through the eighty day barrier.
P e y r o n K ersa u s o n
tak i n g i t i n t u r n s
Wanting to gain their revenge, Robin Knox-Johnston and
Peter Blake set off again in January 1994 and completed
the course in 74 days 22 hours 17 minutes and 22 seconds,
improving by more than 4 days on Bruno Peyron’s reference
time. Olivier de Kersauson went on to complete the course
in 77 days. Remaining determined, he sailed his trimaran
Sport-Elec in two successive campaigns in 1995 and 1996,
but he didn’t manage to beat the record. However, Kersauson set off again in 1997 and this time saw his name on the
Trophy with a time of 71 days 14 hours 22 minutes and 8
seconds. In 2002, we were able to look forward to a duel
between Peyron and Kersauson. The former set off aboard
Orange (32m maxi-trimaran) but was forced to return several hours later. Aboard Geronimo, Kersauson continued
on his way but was forced to retire off Brazil. Meanwhile,
Orange was repaired and was able to set sail again. 64 days
8 hours 37 minutes and 24 seconds later, Bruno Peyron became the first two times winner of the Jules Verne Trophy.
The Jules Verne Trophy, a legendary record
In 2003, Ellen MacArthur and Olivier de Kersauson, once
again, gave it a try, but in vain… In 2004, we saw another
duel between Peyron and Kersauson. The second improved
on the reference time finishing in 63 days 13 hours 59 minutes and 46 seconds. The first to cross the Atlantic in less
than 5 days aboard Cheyenne, the American, Steve Fossett
improved on this performance in 2004 by sailing around
the world in 58 days 9 hours 32 minutes and 45 seconds.
But this feat was not recognised, as Cheyenne had set off
on the Jules Verne Trophy route without paying the registration fees. A year later, Bruno Peyron’s response was unequivocal. He shattered the previous record by completing the
course in 50 days 16 hours 20 minutes and 4 seconds on
Orange II. The bar was placed very high and many people
thought the record would remain in place for a long time…
Franck Cammas’s campaigns
CBut that was forgetting Franck Cammas, who in 2004
announced the launch of a 31.5m maxi trimaran designed
specifically for the Jules Verne Trophy. Groupama 3 is in fact
none other than Francis Joyon’s new IDEC SPORT. Launched
in June 2006, this mighty record hunter began her first
campaign in the winter of 2007/2008. At a point when they
were one day ahead of Orange II’s reference time, Franck
Cammas and his men capsized off New Zealand. The men
were safe and sound and the Groupama 3 platform was
brought back to France. That was not going to stop Cammas, who set off again in November 2008 but this time the
adventure came to a sudden end in the South Atlantic when
the link between the rear beam and the port float broke. It
was going to be third time lucky. On 31st January 2010,
Cammas gave it another go, in spite of uncertain weather. A
decision that paid off as 48 days 7 hours 44 minutes and 52
seconds after setting sail, the skipper and his crew of nine
grabbed the Jules Verne Trophy.
Press pack
33
Loïck Peyron masterstroke
In that very same year another boat decided to wait for a
better weather opportunity to get going, but the opening
never appeared. Banque Populaire V, the world’s biggest
ocean racing trimaran measuring 40m in length and with a
mast towering 45m skywards. So it was with a highly motivated crew on Banque Populaire V, skippered by Pascal Bidégorry, that they made their first attempt on 22nd January
2011. But on the thirteenth day of racing, a collision with
a UFO put paid to Bidégorry and his crew’s hopes. Later
A n ew rec o r d
in 2011, a new skipper was appointed, Loïck Peyron. With
a crew of thirteen, who knew the boat perfectly, they set
off on 22nd November and achieved an incredible time: 45
days 13 hours 22 minutes and 53 seconds! 22 years after
the initial reference time was set by Bruno Peyron, the Jules
Verne was back in the Peyron family. Maybe Francis Joyon
will grab the precious Trophy from them? A specialist in setting solo records, Joyon will be tackling his first crewed
record and is going to be a serious threat…
The Jules Verne Trophy records
1993. Bruno Peyron on Commodore explorer • Catamaran • 79 d. 6 h. 15’ 56’’
1994. Peter Blake on Enza • Catamaran • 74 d. 22 h. 17’ 22’’
1997. Olivier de Kersauson on Sport Elec • Trimaran • 71 d. 14 h. 22’ 8’’
2002. Bruno Peyron on Orange • Catamaran • 64 d. 8 h. 37’ 24’’
2004. Olivier de Kersauson on Geronimo • Trimaran • 63 d. 14 h. 59’ 46’’
betwee n F ra n ce a n d C h i n a i n 2 0 1 6
4 5 DAYS
1 3 H OU R S
4 2 m i n u tes
5 3 sec o n d s
W
ith a record number of ocean racing records
under his belt, Francis Joyon is planning to
launch a new route with his maxi-trimaran
IDEC SPORT between France and China, and
once again it will be a race against the clock. With his desire to open up new race courses, Francis
previously set a reference time between France and Mauritius in 2009, and more recently on the Friendship Route
between France (Bordeaux) and Brazil (Rio de Janeiro).
His 2016 challenge will see him racing on a route, which
is a canvas to our imagination but also highly symbolic, at
a time when the Red Dragon is awakening to the world of
sailing. This is a highly original and encompassing idea,
bringing together the conceptof a huge achievement and
the spirit of discovery.
SAINT-NAZAIRE
QINGDAO
2005. Bruno Peyron on Orange 2 • Catamaran • 50 d. 16 h. 20’ 4’’
2010. Franck Cammas on Groupama 3 • Trimaran • 48 d. 7 h. 44’ 52’’
2012. Loïck Peyron on the Maxi Banque Populaire V • Trimaran • 45 d. 13 h. 42’ 53’’
The Jules Verne Trophy, a legendary record
The time
to beat, held by
Banque Populaire
and Loick Peyron
france-chinA: A NEW ROUTE FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
A NEW PROGRAMME TO SUPPORT
T H E I C M A ND M E DI C A L R E S E A R C H
S
ince 2007, Patrice Lafargue and Francis Joyon
have chosen to support the cause of the ICM by
displaying the colours of the Brain and Spinal
Cord Institute on their sails and on their cars.
Professor Gérard Saillant, who was behind this
unique research centre and Jean Todt, (founding member
and President of the FIA), guest sponsors of the previous
IDEC maxi-trimaran, often attend the major events organised on behalf of the ICM by the IDEC Group.
M A J O R A M B A S S A DO R S
This new programme will be an opportunity to promote medical research by backing the Brain and Spinal Cord Institute (ICM), which is based in the la Pitié-Salpêtrière teaching
hospital in Paris. The only one of its kind in the world, the ICM
brings together 500 researchers and technicians working on
solutions to fight against Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis. Its motto is “Enabling men to remain free in
their movements and their thoughts.” Freedom, which is the
guiding principle for sailors like Francis Joyon and the IDEC
SPORT team.
icm, TO ENABLE MEN TO REMAIN FREE
Leading ambassadors like Luc Besson, Maurice Lévy, Jean
Todt, Michael Schumacher, Jean Réno and many others
have offered their support to the project, which is taking up
this huge public health challenge. Francis Joyon and IDEC
SPORT are with them as they sail around the world, hoping
to be followed and copied by others in supporting this major
cause.
By supporting the ICM, you are offering
researchers the possibility of
A N INNOV A T IV E P ILO T P R O J E C T
The ICM (the Brain and Spinal Cord Institute) is a private
foundation registered with charity status. Founded by three
world-renowned French doctors - Yves Agid, Professor in
neurology and neurosciences; Olivier Lyon-Caen, Professor
in neurology and Gérard Saillant, Professor in orthopaedic
surgery and traumatology – the ICM is an innovative and
ambitious pilot project based in the heart of the la Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris, France’s biggest hospital and one
of the world’s leading centres in the field of nervous system
disorders.
T R E A T IN G a n d
P R E V E N T IN G
C U R IN G
neurological disorders
http://www.icm-institute.org/
Press pack
37
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