Spindrift 2 launched

World biggest trimaran back in the drink in advance of the Rolex Fastnet Race

Spindrift 2, the largest racing trimaran in the world, has been launched at Lorient this afternoon.

Co-skippers Yann Guichard and Dona Bertarelli oversaw the delicate operation of getting the 40m long multihull out of boatyard and then the craning of the massive boat into the water, an exercise involving at least 20 people and a crane with a 300 tonne capacity.

Spindrift 2 was officially unveiled in her new livery on 2 July at the team's base within the WW2 submarine silos in Lorient harbour. The Jules Verne Trophy holders had its mast fitted immediately after launch.

Spindrift 2 is set to begin training and development sessions at the weekend, with the first proper outing being the Rolex Fastnet Race, in which she will be attempting to better her own course race.