The IMOCA with foils that won the 2020 Vendée Globe
Safran (FRA 25) was launched on March 5, 2015 in Lorient, christened two days later. Design VPLP-Verdier built by CDK Technologies, it was one of the first IMOCA 60s designed from the board with foils, alongside Banque Populaire VIII (identical hull), Hugo Boss and Gitana 16. Renamed Maître CoQ IV in 2018, then Groupe Apicil in 2022, the boat has competed in three Vendée Globes with mixed fortunes: retired in 2016, victory in 2020, 15th in 2024.
Design: the first generation of foil-assisted IMOCAs
The boat measures 18.28 m × 5.80 m. Its hull was developed on the same platform as Banque Populaire VIII (Banque Populaire and Safran shared molds and tooling), but each team subsequently evolved its boat independently.
- Powerful hull with lateral foils: the hydrofoils partially lift the hull on downwind and reaching points of sail to reduce drag.
- Rotating wing mast installed aft of the cockpit.
- Lowered central cockpit to protect the skipper.
- Bulbous bow to keep the boat on the plane.
Three Vendée Globes, three skippers
Sailed by Morgan Lagravière (Safran Sailing Team, 2015–2017): Fastnet 2015 (3rd in class), Trophée SNSM 2015 (2nd), 9th in the 2016 New York–Vendée Race. In the 2016–2017 Vendée Globe, Lagravière was 4th overall on day 18 when an OFNI (unidentified floating object) damaged a rudder in the South Atlantic. Retired.
Sailed by Yannick Bestaven and renamed Maître CoQ IV (2018–2022): 2nd in the 2020 Bermudes 1000 Race, then winner of the 2020–2021 Vendée Globe in 80 days 03 hours 44 minutes, after climbing the rankings due to time compensation awarded for the rescue diversion to assist Kevin Escoffier.
Sailed by Damien Seguin and renamed Groupe Apicil (2022–): retired from the 2022 Route du Rhum, 8th in the 2024 Transat CIC, 15th in the 2024–2025 Vendée Globe in 84 days 20 hours 31 minutes.
