Holcim-PRB’s GO CIRCULAR sets sail in Vendée Globe
GO CIRCULAR aiming to raise awareness of circular construction during single-handed, round-the-world yacht race
TEAM Holcim-PRB boat GO CIRCULAR, skippered by Nicolas Lunven, has crossed the start line of the single-handed, round-the-world Vendée Globe yacht race. Through their participation, Holcim will circumnavigate the globe, helping to preserve the world’s oceans with a call to action to accelerate the shift to circular construction and living, from sea to city.
Holcim-PRB is the only team to have won the non-stop, unassisted Vendée Globe race twice, in 2000 with skipper Michel Desjoyeaux, and in 2004 with skipper Vincent Riou.
At yesterday’s Vendée race start in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, Nollaig Forrest, Holcim’s chief sustainability officer, said: ‘Holcim-PRB are excited to be participating in this 10th edition of the Vendée Globe, the most competitive yet, known as the ‘Everest of the Seas’.
‘In Nicolas Lunven, we have a hugely accomplished sailor who can push the boundaries both of sailing performance and our GO CIRCULAR mission of accelerating the shift to circular building and living. For us at Holcim, the circular cities we are building will be the cities of the future.’
Olivier Troussicot, chief executive officer of PRB, said: ‘This 10th Vendée Globe promises to be exceptional. We are happy to be onboard now as part of the Holcim family for this unique adventure, which we have been participating in for more than three decades.
‘While it is undoubtedly one of the toughest challenges in the world, Nicolas Lunven, our skipper, has our full trust and support to fly our colours high and proud. We wish him a safe journey and look forward to welcoming him back to Les Sables-d’Olonne.’
Holcim-PRB team skipper Nicolas Lunven said: ‘The route of the 24,000-mile Vendée Globe is incredible, marked by extraordinary, almost mythical places such as Cape Horn and Point Nemo. Participating in the race is a dream come true, but one made real by the commitment of the entire, unstoppable team around me and the support of exceptional partners.
‘I would like to thank them all for the outstanding and diligent preparation. I’m looking forward to an exciting battle and have great confidence in the boat, in which I’ve already crossed the Atlantic four times.’
Founded 35 years ago in 1989, only 114 sailors have ever competed in the Vendée Globe race since its creation, demonstrating the exceptional abilities required ranging from physical and mental strength to technical performance. This year’s 10th edition is the largest yet, with 40 boats in the fleet and skippers representing 11 nationalities, from the youngest at 24 to the oldest at 64 years of age.
