human adventure

After nine months of construction, Black Pepper Yachts unveils the new IMOCA L'Occitane, to be skippered by Armel Tripon.

Photography by Pierre Bouras

03 December 2019

Following L’Occitane’s launch, esteemed French skipper Armel Tripon will begin preparing it for the Vendée Globe. Armel Tripon will depart in November 2020 from les Sables d’Olonne on the west coast of France and race around the world without stopping and without assistance on the brand new 60-foot IMOCA.

Architect Sam Manuard is managing the design of this IMOCA that is being built by Black Pepper Yachts, under the experienced eye of Michel Douville de Franssu.

This new generation foiler stands out with her scow shaped hull (rounded bow) and her moderate beam.

“We based our ideas on being efficient in the Vendée Globe,” stressed Sam Manuard. “We wanted a boat that was easy to sail and would take good care of her skipper. The last Transat Jacques Vabre showed us once again that these new IMOCAs are very fast, but very demanding for the skipper and many of them do not believe it is going to be possible to keep up the same pace sailing solo as they did when double-handed.”

Black Pepper CEO & Founder, Michel de Franssu commented: “This is an exciting project that brings together a number of important firsts. It’s the first time that a Sam Manuard design will be used at the Vendée Globe; the first time that Black Pepper Yachts will build an IMOCA 60; the first time that Armel Tripon will race around the world; and the first time that L’Occitane partners with sailing.

“Let’s hope now for another first, when Armel crosses the finish line!”

At 43 years, Armel already holds an impressive competitive track record, including victory at last year’s Route du Rhum in the Multi50 category.

vendeeglobe.org

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