Neo Sailing Technologies (NST) has launched its third class Ocean Fifty trimaran after 15 months of construction at the company’s Verdon-Sur-Mer, France-based yard.
The shipyard says Edenred marks the culmination of an ambitious project combining innovative, competitive and sustainable navigation solutions in terms of sustainable development.
This latest Ocean Fifty trimaran follows on from Noir Désir in 2013 (currently UpWind by MerConcept) and Kraken in 2020 (currently Solidaires en Peloton).
The 50ft multihull has been designed to optimise performance while guaranteeing reliability and safety at very high speeds.
Performance and durability
The trimaran has been designed by architect Romaric Neyhousser, with the materials chosen for performance and durability.
“All the parts of the platform are from reused moulds, everything was taken from the Kraken construction except for the rudder mould which was made for the occasion,” said Quentin Vlamynck, NST’s technical and sports director.
“Regarding the front fairing of the central hull, it was made with Elium resin as an infusion. Thank you to Basile and Manu for playing the game and allowing us to integrate our recyclable resin on board this part.”
He added: “I helped the design office and the operators as much as possible in the production of their parts in terms of technique by participating in the construction of the trimaran.
“I had already lived this experience by putting my hands in the glue for more than a year, it was in 2020 with the construction of my Ocean Fifty.
The final stretch was intense but it’s always a highlight to see the puzzle put together at the end.
Quentin Vlamynck
“I accompanied them to share my experience and make sure that everything went smoothly. The final stretch was intense but it’s always a highlight to see the puzzle put together at the end. Our operators can be very proud of the work done.”
Fabienne Baron, president Neo Sailing Technologies, added: “Building a trimaran of the Classe Ocean Fifty is always a daring gamble.
“Doing so with the demands of Manu and Basile adds to the stakes. However, it has been a real pleasure to be a partner in such an adventure, and I am pleased that all NST employees have been able to take up the challenge.
“There will be three boats built by NST at the start of the next Transat Café l’Or in the Ocean Fifty class. For the manufacturer that we are, it is the hope of a nice podium.”
Rough seas
The launch follows on from an announcement that NST has acquired the moulds for the Class40 ‘Lift V3’, designed by Marc Lombard.
The new model incorporates feedback from the Lift V2, an analysis of the competition, and continued R&D, particularly around the development of Class40 scow-type hulls and their behaviour in rough seas.
The construction of the first Lift V3 at the NST Lab site will begin in September 2025 with the craft available in 2026.
Edenred will be skippered by Basile Bourgnon and Emmanuel Le Roch.
