Multiplast to build the Groupama VO70

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Recent holder of the Jules Verne trophy, Franck Cammas and his Sponsor, Groupama, have just signed with the Multiplast boatyard for the construction of a 21 m monohull for the next round-the-world fully crewed race (Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012).

After building the Groupama III maxi trimaran in 2005-2006, the Groupama Team has renewed its confidence in Multiplast and entrusted the yard with the production of this monohull, based on the plans by Juan Yacht Design. Yann Penfornis, General Manager of Multiplast:

"...This new order is wonderful recognition of our know-how. We are all the more proud in that the team in question is particularly demanding of themselves, and also of any of the partners involved in the project. For us, this boat will be an opportunity to compare our work with that of the large foreign teams, who have dominated this discipline for many years..."

Close collaboration

As with the building of every racing boat, Multiplast works in close collaboration with the sailing crew's technicians. Pierre Tissier, Construction Manager for Team Groupama: "...We have been working with Multiplast for several years, we know each other very well and we communicate openly. We know that we can trust them again to build a reliable, high-performance boat..."

Very strict measurement

At this level of competition, the construction quality should come close to perfection and be as near as possible to the limits required by the very strict measurement rules. Dominique Dubois, President of Multiplast: "... This new boat must be a marvel. In addition, we have had to make new investments, such as an anti-dust paint for the flooring and new curing ovens to guarantee that Groupama will benefit from a new quality close to the demands of the aeronautical or space industry. This is another new step taken by the Multiplast boatyard with regards to quality control. Our experience in the production of parts for the aeronautical industry will be useful to us to take on this new challenge..."
This project propels Multiplast into the very close circle of Volvo 70 builders. Groupama IV is the first boat of this kind to be built in France. This new reference will reinforce the boatyard's image of excellence in France and abroad. Production has now begun.

With the launch planned for early March 2011, there is no doubt that there will be a lot of activity during the summer in the Multiplast workshops.