Vincent Riou and his Team PRB have launched their new VPLP/Verdier-designed IMOCA Open 60 in Port la Foret.

The bright orange 60 footer was lowered into the water under the expert eye of Hubert Desjoyeaux who built the carbon racing machine at CDK Technologies. A healthy crowd of supporters lined the dock to watch PRB take her first dip, including sailing stars Sam Davies and Jean le Cam.

Vincent Lauriot Prévost and Xavier Guilbaud, who are responsible for the design work on the new boat at VPLP stood beside Guillaume Verdier and watched as PRB was subject to the required 180 degree self righting test to demonstrate compliance withe IMOCA class rule. As her keel canted, PRB rolled easily upright and skipper Vincent Riou, emerged from within the watertight interior, totally at ease, dry and unflustered (unlike many of the onlookers – who gasped as the substantial bulb keel splashed down and to a spontaneous round of applause!)

PRB benefits from having evolved from the previous VPLP/Verdier IMOCA 60 designs Safran and Groupe Bel so although she comes out of the same hull moulds, her design is different specifically in the new coach roof form and deck plan, the rig configuration and the design of the appendages as well as in many structural aspects.