In its debut race in 2019, the Class40 Crédit Mutuel scored a magnificent success with victory in the Transat Jacques Vabre. Two years on, Ian Lipinski has joined up with new
co-skipper Julien Pulvé to defend his title.

This year’s Transat Jacques Vabre remains true to Normandy, setting off on 7 November from Le Havre, although this time the destination will be Martinique. Meanwhile, the work done to the Class40 Crédit Mutuel over the past few months has helped the David Raison-designed boat stay at the top of its class. Its impressive performances include setting an accredited speed record this summer with a distance of 428.82 miles in 24 hours, winning new podium places and keeping pace with this year’s crop of newly built boats. The crew of the Class40 Crédit Mutuel are ready and raring to go

Preparations are in full swing, and the two crew members have started getting the measure of the new situation in their training sessions. "We’re playing the game and naturally we share information with our coach Tanguy Leglatin," says Ian Lipinski. "We’ve everything to gain by moving forward at the same pace." "The Class40 Crédit Mutuel has the advantage of having signed up early enough for them to get a lot of sailing under their belt; they have a lot of experience," remarks Tanguy Leglatin.

Ian Lipinski thinks the refinements of the past two years have enabled them to be as well prepared as possible: "We’ve now reached a level of control that enables us to maneuver really well. It’s a whole new pleasure."

Ian’s enthusiasm is shared by Crédit Mutuel, which is partnering this joint project until the 2022 Route du Rhum, which will be the culmination of a five-season-long program. "We’re enjoying some wonderful times. The spirit of adventure and technical innovation come together aboard the Class40 Crédit Mutuel, giving us great racing and a great spectacle. The elected directors and staff take enormous pleasure in following the regular satellite links and the breathtaking race updates! This will be an emotional return to the Transat Jacques Vabre, and we’d love to see them fully succeed in this challenge," said Nicolas Théry, President of Crédit Mutuel Alliance Fédérale.