The IMOCA with foils that won the 2020 Vendée Globe
Safran (FRA 25) was launched onMarch 5, 2015 in Lorient, christened two days later. DesignVPLP-Verdier built byCDK 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. RenamedMaître CoQ IV in 2018, thenGroupe Apicil in 2022, the boat has competed in three Vendée Globes with contrasting fortunes: retired in 2016, victory in 2020, 15th in 2024.
Design: the first generation of foil-assisted IMOCA 60s
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 in downwind and reaching conditions 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
Under the helm ofMorgan Lagravière (Safran Sailing Team, 2015–2017): Fastnet 2015 (3rd in class), Trophée SNSM 2015 (2nd), 9th in the 2016 New York–Vendée Transat. In the2016–2017 Vendée Globe, Lagravière was 4th overall at day 18 when an OFNI (unidentified floating object) damaged a rudder in the South Atlantic. Retired.
Under the helm ofYannick Bestaven and renamedMaître CoQ IV (2018–2022): 2nd in the 2020 Bermudes 1000 Race, thenwinner 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.
Under the helm ofDamien Seguin and renamedGroupe Apicil (2022–): retired in 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.
