Bénéteau took advantage of the pontoons of the Vendée Globe and the presence of the skippers to officially launch the Figaro's replacement. Bringing together representatives of the class, race organizer, architect and members of the design office, some announcements were made on this occasion.
Since 2014, all these people have met in weekly meetings to define the sailboat that will be launched in 2020. But especially the sailboat which must have a life span of at least 20 years
After an architectural competition won by the VPLP firm, the next Figaro 3 will have foils. For this reason, the sailboat, a little smaller than the Figaro 2 but with the same waterline length will be lighter. The sail plan will be similar to what is found in IMOCA with a retreated mast without backstay and a slender mainsail with a horn.
The cockpit will be simple for solo sailing, designed for maneuvers and also to remove algae from the rudder. As for the layout, the interior will be completely empty (like the IMOCAs) always with a view to finding weight.
As for timing, the prototype should be ready at the end of 2017 to ensure its development. Production will start in 2018 with 50 units scheduled for the end of 2018. In order to ensure a perfect one-design, all boats will be drawn at random and delivered to the riders at the same time. This way, everyone will have the same preparation and development time. These 50 boats will then start the Solitaire du Figaro in 2019 for the 50 e edition.
Bénéteau recalled that the Figaro (1 and 2) have always shone through with their reliability and solidity. The new model, despite technological advances, must meet the same expectations.
On this occasion, Bénéteau created the Bénéteau Group Racing Division. A division that wants to put Bénéteau back at the heart of ocean racing as it was in the First era in the 1980s.
But does this hydrofoil Figaro foreshadow our next cruising yachts? Eric Ingouf, director of Bénéteau's design office, reminds us that the hull of the Figaro 1 was used to produce the Océanis 311 and the First 31.7. So why not do the same with this new Figaro 3?
