MACIF launched

Francois Gabart's IMOCA 60 put through initial tests

François Gabart's new IMOCA 60 MACIF, was launched today at the CDK yard in Port la Foret. The boat is another VPLP-Verdier design and a sistership to Michel Desjoyeaux's latest Foncia (now Armel Le Cleac'h's Banque Populaire).

The process of launching the boat began at 0500 due to the tide and began with the hull being lower on to its keel and the canting keel attach. The boat was then weighed by the IMOCA class measurer before she was launched. She then was put through her 180deg inversion test with skipper Francois Gabart and then his Transat Jacques Vabre co-skipper Sebastien Col first climbing into the upturned hull through the escape hatch. Once inside the crew activated the boat's canting keel and with a substantial 'splosh' she successfully righted.