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Under the blue sky in Lorient, Sodebo Ultim 3 has regained its element after 5 months of construction. A moment awaited by Thomas Coville and all his team after this idle period, linked to confinement.
He says: "The day went super well with complicated maneuvers, and the team was very focused. There have been hours and hours of thinking to put all the pieces of the puzzle together. We thought about it for months and this launch is the result of this collective work. We feel that there is pleasure, desire after a complicated period. It’s a satisfaction to be part of this very strong team around a magnificent boat. "
It is a new “flying” version of Sodebo Ultim 3 which came out of its hangar yesterday morning with significant modifications: carrier plane on the fin, a new central hull rudder with carrier plane, a new rear fairing with an aerodynamic cover , a work on the pilots and the ergonomics of the living cell for more comfort.
François Duguet - Boat Captain of Sodebo Ultim 3 - remained focused and attentive to the smooth running of the operations: "Technically and psychologically it was a great day. It marks the beginning of a new stage in the project. Launching is like an orchestra with a lot of players. It’s a friendly moment where the whole team meets and it motivates us. The work ended a few days ago, we take the opportunity to reassemble all the parts and fine-tune the settings before the first sailings. Our first objectives will be to validate the technical modifications of the construction site this winter. It’s very varied with a lot of systems that deal with electronics, hydraulics, autopilots, rigging… everyone in their field will be focused on their part before getting into performance. "
The time is now for the last dockside adjustments before training resumes in a few days ... with the aim of the Jules Verne Trophy this winter (crewed round the world in less than 40 days)
In compliance with the new regulations, the skipper of Sodebo Ultim 3 dreams of taking his first tack: “I'm already planning on the next sailing sensations. This new version of Sodebo Ultim 3 is much more innovative than the version we launched last year. She is more technically engaged. We will access speed by flight, speed by balance by stabilizing a flight. This is a new boat with all the experience we have acquired in 2019 and on the Brest Atlantiques with Jean-Luc (Nélias). "
Jean-Luc Nélias - Head of performance for Sodebo Ultim 3 - recalls that the program will gradually resume with an increase in power over the training: "We have made a good launch with the integration of new parts on the boat (central fin, rudders and foils). The team and the design office had a very good job. Now we have great days of work to come on the water. Gradually we will develop new systems, gain insurance and build pressure while preserving the boat to go faster and faster. "
