Poulain then Un autre regard then Charal then Lyonnaise des Eaux Dumez then Sport-Elec then Idec
Launched in 1985 under the name Poulain, this 23 m trimaran built by the CDK yard for Olivier de Kersauson would have an eventful career.
Renamed Un autre regard then Charal, she would be used for numerous solo round-the-world attempts. After a comprehensive rebuild in 1993 which added an extra 4 m to her waterline, she was renamed Lyonnaise des Eaux. In 1997 she became Sport-Elec and won the Jules Verne Trophy with Olivier de Kersauson again at the helm.
But that’s not the end of the story. Sold to Francis Joyon and renamed IDEC, she beat the solo round-the-world record in 2004, then the solo Atlantic crossing record the following year. Her career came to a sad end just a few hours after her transatlantic success. Travelling south from Lizard Point to her home port, she was wrecked on the rocks of Penmarc’h Point Brittany.
