New builder for Verdier Class40

Vendee Globe skipper Louis Burton sets up a new company

Louis Burton, skipper of the IMOCA 60 Bureau Vallee in the last Vendee Globe, has taken over production of the Guillaume Verdier-designed Class 40, previously known as the Tyker Evolution 3 when it was built by FR Nautisme.

The new boat is to be called the Tizh 40 (which means 'speed' in Breton) and has been developed by the BG Race team will now be built close to St Malo. Construction will be in epoxy foam sandwich over a female mould.

The design is a latest generation Class40 with a very low centre of gravity, stripped out interior and borrows many solutions from both the Mini and IMOCA 60 classes. The positioning of the ballast, weight, centre of gravity, mast, centering the weight, the power and overall ergonomics make for an aggressive boat, says the manufacturer. 

The first boat will start construction this month with the aim of it being ready to compete in the Route du Rhum in November.

The basic boat is available for 315 000 euros without sail and electronics. The price ready to sail is 415 000 Euros.