Sail-World.com : Navtec Products Star in '08 Vendee Globe

News Home

Text Only News

Video Gallery

Neptune Regatta

Features

World Cruising

FishingBoating-World

MarineBusiness-World

Sail-World Australia

Australian Cruising

Sail-World.com : Navtec Products Star in '08 Vendee Globe

Navtec Products Star in '08 Vendee Globe

'Navtec Rigging Products Star in ’08 Vendee Globe' Lewmar Click Here to view large photo

Navtec Performance Rigging, a division of Lewmar Marine, have featured on over half of this year’s Vendee Globe fleet. Starting in Les Sable s d’Olonne, France back in November 2008, the Vendee Globe is considered by many in the sailing community to be the toughest race to compete in and finish.

The Vendee Globe is the ultimate challenge in the IMOCA Ocean Racing World Championship schedule. Sailors single-handedly compete on their Open 60 yachts in a non-stop race around the world. The Open 60s are regarded as one of the most extreme boats in sailing. These boats are built with lightweight fibers to maximize speed, yet are strong enough to endure the harsh conditions that the world’s oceans will undoubtedly present them.

Navtec‘s participation in each edition of the Vendee Globe is a testament to the strong reputation of Navtec R&D. 16 of the 30 boats competing feature Navtec products. Each of these skippers has the confidence that each component has been rigorously lab tested and proven in the most grueling offshore racing conditions.

Navtec Continuous Rigging is the newest advancement in performance fiber rigging. Featured on Yann Elies’ 'Generali' (Elies is now safely aboard the HMAS Arunta) and Bernard Stamm’s 'Chimenes Poujoulat', (unfortunately now out of the race with after suffering rudder bearing problems), it offers a complete fiber solution with less drag and the lightest spreader connections available. Applied with our vast design experience and trusted application practices, Navtec Continuous Rigging continues the Navtec tradition of providing the best results following abuse from the world’s most dangerous oceans. Use it along with our Z-System Rigging, Biconic Rigging and Hydraulics for a truly integrated package.

'The presence of Navtec PBO in the Vendee Globe demonstrates Navtec’s commitment to grueling competition. Representing the latest technology and quality workmanship, these rigs showcase Navtec’s long history of technical expertise along with the latest developments in materials and manufacturing processes,' said Navtec President, Greg Smith.

Onboard 'Foncia', which is leading the race, is French sailing legend Michel Desjoyeaux who features an optimized Navtec Z-System rig. Working closely with Navtec engineers, his rigging has been improved through new advancements in fiber rigging. Testing of his cables following Trans-Atlantic racing and vigorous training has allowed Navtec team to develop new, more efficient termination methods legends put their confidence in.

Navtec will also be featured on the Sebastien Josse helmed 'BT'. BT will feature Navtec Z-System Rigging and Navtec Hydraulics as well. Other notable participants using Navtec Hydraulic Performance Solutions are: Armel LeCleac’h aboard 'Brit Air', Marc Thiercelin aboard 'DCNS', Jérémie Beyou aboard 'Delta Dore', Samantha Davies aboard 'Roxy', and many others.

The 2008 edition of the Vendee Globe began on November 9th, 2008 from the port of Les Sables d’Olonne, France. For more information on the 2008 Vendee Globe, please visit www.vendeeglobe.org.

by .

Tweet

Click on the FB Like link to post this story to your FB wall

http://www.powerboat-world.com/index.cfm?nid=50140

11:16 PM Fri 19 Dec 2008 GMT

Click here for printer friendly version
Click here to send us feedback or comments about this story.