First shots

Yves Parlier's radical new 60ft catamaran has her maiden voyage - we have the first images

Yesterday saw the first outing of Yves Parlier's radical new 60ft catamaran Mediatis Region Aquitaine. The 18.25 x 15.05m catamaran ventured from her berth in Arcachon harbour out into the protected Bassin d'Arcachon.

The crew, including Parlier and the principles of the Aquitaine Design Team, Romaric Neyhousser, Guillaume Verdier and Loic Goepfert, tried out both mainsails, the ORC (a small jib) and the genniker - both headsails flown off the leeward hull. During the trials the boat hit 21 knots (according to the data log from on board). The wind instruments weren't working at the time but this speed, more than respectible for her first outing, was believed to have been in winds of around 15 knots.

It was all smiles as the crew returned to the harbour after a successful first sea trial. However there is still much work to do on board - particularly with the development of foils.

We will be taking an in-depth look at this exciting new machine next week on thedailysail.