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Wednesday 27 april
The Safran monohull returns to the ocean
After a three-month winter refit, Safran was relaunched on Tuesday 26 Aprilr port of registry in Brittany’s La Trinité-sur-Mer. Marc Guillemot’s
Open 60 IMOCA monohull was sporting a new livery and, most importantly,
numerous improvements to further boost reliability and performance. The
season’s objective: to try to win the Transat Jacques Vabre a second time.
The day after the final race of the Spi Ouest-France Intermarché, the Safran
Sailing Team switched from the Open 7.50 to the 60’ IMOCA. The latter
relaunch marks the kick-off of the 2011 season, the key elements of which
will comprise the Grand Prix Guyader in nearby Douarnenez, the Istanbul
Europa Race this summer, and the Transat Jacques Vabre, the season’s
highlight. The transatlantic race is synonymous with a title to be defended
by Marc Guillemot and Yann Eliès, his new crew.
Lighter, faster, more efficient
Description : Safran22704In addition to a thorough check of the boat (hull
and structure, keel, mast, deck hardware, equipment), the Safran Sailing
Team – always in close collaboration with the engineers from the Safran
group – has been busying itself this winter with the job of saving weight
and improving reliability. In this way, the whole of the boat’s electrical
system was rewired and the helming system changed, as was the cockpit’s deck
hardware unit, namely the famous ‘Y’ where all the sheets lead back to.
Marc Guillemot explains: “Each time, we think of ways to be more efficient,
faster and less heavy, without ever reducing the safety margins: obviously
this doesn’t affect the structure in any way. With over 80,000 miles covered
aboard Safran, we benefit from a great wealth of experience as regards the
machine, which enables us to make further gains in terms of optimisation.”
We’re not going to change a winning formula
Description : Safran2704The total weight saving remains confidential, but we
can indicate that the weight of the new unit has been halved, while the
helming system is 40% lighter. “However, the weight isn’t everything,
explains Marc. For example, the helming system has been simplified too with
the aim of making the boat more sensitive to the touch and even more
responsive”. As with every improvement or innovation on the boat, all these
modifications were made in collaboration with the architects and engineers
from the Safran group, who are involved in the project. We’re not going to
change either a winning team or a winning formula!
As regards decor, Safran’s new livery design by Christine Vannier, has been
adapted to the Group’s new logo. Playing on shades of grey and strokes of
orange, this elegant livery is certainly not a mere detail for Marc
Guillemot: “It’s even essential for me, he insists, the elegance of a boat
and how beautiful she looks on the water are also an integral part of the
desire to go sailing.”
Transat Jacques Vabre: two-tier objective
After an intensive three month refit, the new Safran will be back in service
again this week. “Just after the launch, we’re going to deliver her to
Douarnenez, indicates Marc Guillemot, so as to take part in the Grand Prix
Guyader. It’s an interesting meeting as we can do battle with the others
during speed runs.”
From 2 July to 10 August, Safran will participate in the crewed Istanbul
Europa Race; a brand new, up-and-coming meeting. However, the main objective
of the season remains the Transat Jacques Vabre. It’s worth remembering that
Marc Guillemot and Safran won the race in 2009 and that their ‘worst’ result
was… second in 2007. For this new edition, their very clear objective is
summed up by a witticism: “We’ll take the start with the aim of doing at
least as well as last time!”
Safran is a leading international high-technology group with three core
businesses: Aerospace (propulsion and equipment), Defence and Security.
Operating worldwide, the Safran group has more than 54,000 employees and
generated sales of 10.8 billion euros in 2010. Working alone or in
partnership, Safran holds world or European leadership positions in its core
markets. The Group invests heavily in Research & Development to meet the
requirements of changing markets, including expenditures of 1.2 billion
euros in 2010. Safran is listed on NYSE Euronext Paris and its share is part
of the CAC Large 60 index.
For more information, www.safran-group.com
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