Foncia relaunched

Gautier's trimaran programme continues as he leads the Solitaire du Figaro

While her skipper is on the verge of winning the Solitaire du Figaro, Alain Gautier's 60ft trimaran Foncia is now back on the water, repaired after her capsize in the ORMA circuit's Challenge Mondial Assistance race around Europe earlier this year.

The repairs have been overseen by Gautier's no2 Thierry Briend and have included the fitting of a new mast with a larger cord, built using the moulds of Philippe Monnet's Lombard-designed Sopra Group. The aft crossbeam, damaged during the capsize incident, has also been repaired.

Foncia will be ready in time for the next grand prix of the ORMA circuit at Fecamps on 29-31 August. Among their sails they will be using are the same mainsail they had for the Lorient Grand Prix and a new North 3DL genniker.

On board for this will be Alain Gautier, Nicolas Bérenger, Thierry Briend, Thierry Chappet, Sébastien Col, Antoine Gautier, Albert Jacobsoone, Fabrice Levet, Philippe Péché and, of course, Ellen MacArthur who will be racing the Transat Jacques Vabre with Gautier in November.