GETTING THE IMOCA FORTINET – BEST WESTERN OUT OF THE WATER

On Monday, July 22, in weather worthy of a transatlantic return day in December, the whole team was on deck to lift the IMOCA Fortinet – Best Western out of the water. From 7 a.m. onwards, we were hard at work preparing the launch.

Throughout the day, maneuvers were carried out under the watchful eye of our boat captain Adrien. First, we had to dismast, then put the boat ashore, remove the keel and untack before rolling the boat into its summer home. It was a rainy day, but a good one!

Over the summer, the boat will be dismantled, cleaned and inspected, all parts checked and, if necessary, replaced. We’ll also be carrying out an ultrasonic inspection of the mast and keel, as well as checking the new keel parts, which were machined this winter. The keel will require particular attention, as we have to repair several impacts caused by traps, nets and other floating objects during the two Atlantic Ocean crossings.

Few modifications are planned during this refit, as we won’t have time to validate them before leaving for Les Sables d’Olonne. Two notable changes: the installation of a Starlink on board, and a new galley with the creation of a system for adding a saucepan. The aim is to enable Romain to cook when conditions permit.