Loick Peyron still with Energy Challenge

Despite his appointment to skipper the Banque Populaire maxi-tri

With the announcement that Loïck Peyron will be at the new helm of the maxi trimaran Banque Populaire V for the Jules Verne Trophy this winter, the Peyron brother's Energy Team challenge wish to point out that this in no way affects their challenge for the 34th America's Cup.

In fact it would be hard to imagine Bruno Peyron, three times winner of the Jules Verne Trophy himself, criticising his brother Loïck for getting involved in this extraordinary adventure around the world:

"I would not be well placed to say anything." confirmed Bruno. "The fact that Loïck is taking the helm of the maxi Banque Populaire V in no way affects his commitment to the Energy Team project in their preparation for the Cup. Quite the reverse. We talked it through for a long time and it fits in perfectly with our strategy. We are among those, who believe that sailors should be out there sailing. Our idea has always been for the team to get in as much training as possible on all sorts of top class boats. History has shown us that this is the right thing to do: just look at Team New Zealand, who won the Jules Verne Trophy in 1994 before going on to win the Cup in 1995 then in 1999. Today, they are taking part in the Volvo Ocean Race, while preparing for the 34th America’s Cup. We shall continue this policy of encouraging a wide range of experiences and talents right up to the final group selection and it’s a great opportunity to know that our key players are out there sailing at the highest level on all sorts of existing multihulls. The fact that Loick may miss out on one or two World Series events that are coming up means we can try out various helmsmen and crew line-ups, which was our goal from the outset. This announcement is therefore really positive for us allowing us to continue to progress and all the members of Energy Team are extremely pleased about that."