The Orma Multihull Circuit is at the ready

Lynsey Thomas investigates the feats of these awesome machines

The French Orma Multihull circuit is about to fly into action. When we say fly, you only have to look at the shots here to see just what these beasts are capable of.

President of the Orma, Jaques Lehn describes the 60' multihulls as: "The Formula 1's of the sea. They are technological and powerful wonders and probably the most sophisticated machines in sailing today."

One of their main assets is that they are equally equipped to compete in ocean racing as well as inshore regattas. When Orma were given the title of international class by ISAF in 1998 the doors were opened to the international sailing circuit. The best skippers and most promising talent have been seduced by the concept and prospect of racing within a thrilling sport where technology and athleticism dominate.

The first two events of this year's championship will take place outside France which will hopefully lure in other international sailors and expand the circuit. Our own Ellen MacArthur will be co-skipper to Alain Gautier on Foncia. He comments on their prospects for 2001: "This year promises to be busy for Foncia with a full calendar of races and the start of construction of a new trimaran (launching scheduled for December)."

"In order to tackle this pivotal period in the best way possible, I have surrounded myself with fresh competence and a bigger team. We're going to have to fight hard on the water because the new boats are certainly going to perform better than the current Foncia. This said, we are very happy to welcome new competitors, the races can only be more open and the battles more intense."

Groupama, pictured here, won the Orma 9 Telecom championship in 2000, skippered by Franck Gammas.