Holcim-PRB back in the water
by Team HOLCIM - PRB 13 Oct 2023 08:18 UTC
Team Holcim-PRB © Eloi Stichelbaut / PolaRYSE / Team Holcim-PRB
After a three-week refit, the IMOCA Holcim-PRB was relaunched today in Brittany. The end of the year promises to be busy for the GO CIRCULAR project, which will line up for its next race on November 26, Retour à la Base.
Qualifying race for the Vendée Globe, the transatlantic race between Martinique and Lorient in Brittany will bring together a dense fleet of nearly forty monohulls.
Nicolas Lunven will set off alone at the helm of Holcim-PRB for this 3,500-mile course. The skipper of the Swiss 60' is looking forward to getting to grips with the machine he'll be taking around the world next year for what will be one of the biggest challenges of his sailing career: the Vendée Globe, a non-stop single-handed round-the-world race without assistance.
The three weeks of work consisted mainly of a complete check-up of the boat, and dismantling and re-assembling of all systems. No major modifications were made to Holcim-PRB, one of today's fastest and most reliable 60' boats.
Nicolas Lunven and Rosalin Kuiper, both supported on site during the relaunch of the boat. This was a very special moment for the two skippers, who will be setting sail together with two members of the technical team early November to deliver the GO CIRCULAR IMOCA in Martinique. This dozen days at sea will enable the skippers to sail Holcim-PRB for the first time, getting to know the boat inside out. A great preparation, in particular for Nicolas Lunven, before lining up atthe start of his first race as skipper of the Swiss 60'.
For Holcim, the end of the 2023 season promises to be an exciting time with the Retour à la Base race as an essential qualification for the road to the Vendée Globe. This major race is a benchmark in single-handed ocean racing, and it is with great conviction that the teamis embarking on this new adventure.
Quotes
Nicolas Lunven, skipper: "We mainly took advantage of the last few weeks to dismantle and check almost all the systems on board, then to reassemble them. We also carried out a few repairs on the mast, which had several defects. The next few weeks are going to be a real voyage of discovery. Getting to know the boat and learning how to use it at its best. We will start sailing this weekend. It's time to discover Holcim-PRB before setting off on the delivery trip to Martinique."
Rosalin Kuiper, co-skipper: "We've spent the last few days getting the boat ready for the launch. It's always an important moment. I'm very impressed with the boat, it is like a work of art. I'm very lucky to be accompanying Nico on this project and to be sailing alongside hime. I'm really excited about getting on board this weekend. This boat is new to us and I can't wait to experience its full potential."