Ultimes: Banque Populaire IX takes shape
While Banque Populaire team are finalizing their preparations for the upcoming Vendée Globe, which will see skipper Armel Le Cléac’h at the helm of a VPLP/Team Verdier design, the team’s next project is gradually taking shape at Keroman Technologies in Lorient. Maxi Solo Banque Populaire IX is her name, and works to assemble her have already begun. “The two halves of the centre hull arrived from Green Marine in late August; while the starboard float and the aft beam will be arriving from Port-la-Forêt shipyard CDK in the coming weeks,” explains Xavier Guilbaud, head of project at VPLP’s Vannes office. “We expect Lorient to deliver the port float and the fore beam early next year, in time plenty of time for a summer launch.”