A MOD70 with an exceptional track record
Zoulou is a MOD70 trimaran designed by the renowned naval architecture firm VPLP Design and built in 2012 by CDK Technologies in Port-la-Forêt. Since its acquisition by Erik Maris in May 2022, this 21.2-meter carbon powerhouse has accumulated an impressive record in the most prestigious ocean races. The boat has had several lives and owners since its launch, notably Jean-Pierre Dick (Paprec Recycling), Yann Eliès, and Concise Team, before joining Maris's stable. The MOD70 (Multi One Design) class represents the elite of one-design ocean trimarans, capable of maintaining speeds over 35 knots and reaching peaks of 60 km/h. The year 2023 marked Zoulou's peak with a spectacular victory at the RORC Caribbean 600, won by a mere 11 seconds over Giovanni Soldini's Maserati Multi70 after 600 miles and over 30 hours of intense racing. This victory symbolizes the extreme competitiveness of the boat and its crew under the command of Ned Collier Wakefield at the helm.
Skysat Technology and Equipment
The MOD70 Zoulou benefits from the latest technological innovations in onboard electronics supplied by Skysat. Capable of sustained speeds exceeding 35 knots, the trimaran requires an ultra-reliable navigation and communication system to optimize every tactical decision during transatlantic races. The complete NKE electronics installed by Skysat guarantee the crew precise real-time data on the boat's performance, weather conditions, and GPS positioning. The boat is equipped with the latest generations of foils and rudders designed by VPLP, allowing it to fly over the waves at high speed. The advanced composite construction ensures lightness and structural rigidity, with a displacement of only 6.3 tons for a length of 21.2 meters and a beam of 16.8 meters. The rigging includes a tilting composite mast, a retractable rudder system, and curved foils for lift assistance.
Epic Duels and Recent Successes
Since 2015, Zoulou and its rival Argo (Jason Carroll's American MOD70) have been engaged in an epic battle on all the world's oceans. Ned Collier Wakefield, who has competed in five RORC Transatlantic Races aboard MOD70s, describes this rivalry as "a hellish battle that continues year after year, what makes it so beautiful is that it's close, every race, every leg offers a chance for a lead change or victory". Zoulou's 2023-2024 record attests to this consistency at the highest level: victory at the RORC Caribbean 600 2023, victory at the Voiles de Saint-Barth 2023, third place at the Rolex Fastnet Race 2023, second place at the RORC Caribbean 600 2024, second at the Antigua 360 2024, and second at the RORC Transatlantic Race 2024 (only 2h32 behind Argo after five days of racing). For the 2026 edition of the RORC Transatlantic Race, starting from Lanzarote on January 11th, Ned Collier Wakefield has partnered with specialist navigator Miles Seddon, enabling "smarter and faster tactical decisions, particularly during the crucial opening phases of the race". These exceptional results make Zoulou one of the most successful and consistent MOD70s on the global circuit.
