07/2009 –

It is one launch after another at the MULTPLAST shipyard at the moment.

Last month, the 60-foot day sailor  « CIAO GIANNI » was delivered to her owner.

Today another 60-foot yacht in a different style altogether was launched. Paolo ROASENDA has named his yacht “OURSON RAPIDE“, designed for fast long-distance cruising.

When MULTIPLAST had the construction of three 60-foot boats underway for three different sponsors in the « Vendée Globe 2008 », the owner commissioned the firm FINOT-CONQ to design a 60-foot cruising yacht inspired by the « Vendée Globe » yachts. This meant a beamy carbon design with ballasts for performance, but less extreme version and more comfortable for spending long months cruising.

The canting keel of the “Vendée Globe” boats has been replaced by a lifting keel, better suited to cruising. Never before had a boat of this type been designed.

Architect, Jean-Marie FINOT, explains the general philosophy behind the boat: « …The idea behind “OURSON RAPIDE” was to produce a family cruising yacht which could be sailed short-handed and which made use of tried and tested modern techniques to make sailing easier. This is why she has been made of prepreg carbon. She has ballasts, a deep keel, a carbon mast and renewable energy sources. All of these choices have contributed to enhancing her potential for speed as and when needed. I wanted to design a fluid boat from an esthetic point of view, a boat which resembled a bird. »

Owner, Paolo ROASENDA, explains the reasons for his choice : « … After having consulted a number of architects, I turned to Jean-Marie FINOT and Pascal CONQ. As for MULTIPLAST, several factors came into play : firstly, their extensive experience in composite construction, then the proximity with the architects and lastly, her resale value due to the quality of construction by one of the best shipyards in the field. I am very pleased with her. She is exactly what I wanted. »

After the launch, sea trials will continue through to the end of the month of July during which time she will be based in La Trinité/Mer. MULTIPLAST makes a point of honour in delivering reliable boats which have as few defects as possible. It is rare to find shipyards which carry out such lengthy sea trials to make sure that everything is working perfectly before final delivery.

This monohull will be associated with an intense sailing programme several years long with a participation in the “ARC ATLANTIQUE”, with 215 boats already entered to take part.

NauticNews Tech Specs of Multiplast Ourson Rapide

Photo Credit: Cécile Ollier

– PR –