Another five years for Banque Populaire

And a new maxi-trimaran for skipper Armel le Cleac'h

Banque Populaire has reaffirmed its commitment in sailing sponsorship by extending its backing for another five years with a program that includes the construction of a new maxi trimaran, Banque Populaire Solo IX, to be skippered by Armel Le Cléac'h.

Maxi Banque Populaire Solo VII (ex-Groupama 3) winner of last autumn's Route du Rhum in the hands of Loick Peyron, has been sold. However she will be replaced by a new maxi-trimaran, set to join the Ultim class in the 2018 Route du Rhum. The new boat will be launched in 2017.

This continues a strong commitment from Banque Populaire which will continue its high profile in sailing following on from the end of the next Vendée Globe. The team's new IMOCA 60, Banque Populaire VIII, is scheduled for launch in April.

This next sponsorship period will see in 2019 the French bank celebrate 30 years of commitment to our sport. 

Chantal Petrachi, Director of Banque Populaire Communications commented: "Last November we saw how much the public is fascinated by boating. This new announcement is proof of Banque Populaire's commitment to a sport which shares values to which they are deeply attached: daring, research, performance, loyalty and long term trust to a team and a skipper."

Armel le Cléac'h added: "This is again a great challenge that we are to take on with the team and it gives me pride that Banque Populaire renews its trust in me. I had the chance to sail on a boat like Maxi Banque Populaire Solo VII and saw that I was able to manage it solo and could even break records. I am more motivated than ever to sail a new multihull which will be, this time, designed and tailored specifically for solo sailing: to go even faster, even higher - as is our goal. The race program for the Ultim class includes a solo round the world race - it will be exciting!

"And I still have some unfinished business following the 2014 Route du Rhum so I need a second chance at that .

"For now we have an exciting project with the construction of the IMOCA 60 monohull Banque Populaire VIII for the 2016 Vendée Globe with the Team Banque Populaire. I must admit that it is reassuring and very motivating to know that the story will continue after that."

Ronan Lucas, Director of Team Banque Populaire said: "This is great news for us all. We are pleased to have the confidence of Banque Populaire. This new project enables everyone to be able to plan for the future which is really nice. Within the Team we love multihulls. The construction of this new boat, from start to finish will be exciting and will allow once again the team to put to use all its know-how. It is a new challenge that we take on with passion. And this will allow Armel to line up for the start of the next Route du Rhum.

"We will create a truly optimised boat for the solo sailing which we can lighten by up to 2 tonnes. Multihulls are boats that continue to evolve, they are the future. So this is the next logical step for Banque Populaire, to remain among the leaders in this sport, mixing technology and adventure."