Christening of the multihull Arkema – Région Aquitaine by Charles Berling, as the Transat Jacques Vabre race gets underway Wednesday, Oct 30, 2013
The boat was taken by its skipper Lalou Roucayrol and his crewmate Mayeul Riffet from Verdon-sur-Mer to Le Havre last week. The trip, in a steady wind, was the opportunity to test the new sails and make the final adjustments.
"The Route des Princes race was won with the sails of my old trimaran and now we have much more efficient sails, with a greater surface area (7 m² for the solent sail and 6 m² for the mainsail) and new, highly efficient shapes. Clearly both strength and handling have been improved!", Lalou Roucayrol is pleased to say.
Before facing the squalls of the Atlantic Ocean, Arkema – Région Aquitaine, the latest boat in the Multi 50 class, fitted with its new sails, will be christened on November 2nd by Charles Berling, a French passionate actor, singer and director, and a big fan of sailing.
"I met Charles Berling at the first edition of the Estuaire Challenge Multi race, and immediately liked the man, his strength of character and his simplicity; what's more, he is a great admirer of sailing boats. I am proud and honored to have him as godfather", Lalou Roucayrol is delighted to say.
A global chemical company and France's leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials. With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €6.4 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.
