While the 7th Vendée Globe race is finishing, multiple announcements show significant sales in the maxi trimaran world.
The first announcement came from the Groupama sailing team some weeks ago. Worldwide famous now following their victory in the latest Volvo Ocean race, Groupama has decided to reduce its sponsorship in the sailing world for the coming years. In consequence, the team sold their flagship to the Banque Populaire sailing team.
The 31.5m Maxi trimaran Groupama 3 is now repainted in her new white and blue colours. She was designed by VPLP and launched at the Multiplast yard in June 2006. She broke multiple records with her famous skipper, Franck Cammas, including the Jules Verne Trophy in 2010, in 48 days and 8 hours. Now renamed Banque Populaire VII, she will be optimized for solo races, especially the next Route du Rhum in autumn 2014.
The Banque Populaire sailing team was also the owner of the largest racing trimaran, Banque Populaire V, winner of numerous records during the last four years, including the Jules Verne Trophy in 2012. They won the record in 45 days and 14 hours with Loick Peyron as skipper.
Today her sale is announced. Banque Populaire V is acquired by Dona Bertarelli and her sailing team Spindrift. This giant was designed by VPLP, built by CDK Technologies and launched in August 2008. Now she will be repainted to her new colours to start a new career under the name Spindrift 2. Her first appearance will be at the Rolex Fastnet race in August 2013.