Flying Zenith's colours, Yann Guichard, skipper of the maxi trimaran Spindrift 2, finished second on the 2014 Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe. Following in the wake of accomplishments in which technologies and people join forces, the encounter between Zenith and Spindrift racing takes on its full meaning on the Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe. It was only natural that Zenith should pay tribute to this exceptional human adventure by enriching its El Primero line with a timepiece featuring a chronograph function: the El Primero Stratos Spindrift racing.
The skipper achieved a true feat by completing an Atlantic crossing alone aboard a trimaran designed to be sailed by a 14-member crew. Yann set foot on dry ground 14 hours 10 minutes 14 seconds after Loïck Peyron. “It really was an incredible battle,” he said.
“This Route du Rhum was played out shortly after the start, on the first night…".
Competing the “Ultime” category which consists of very large yachts, he was confronted as were his competitors by particularly difficult conditions at the beginning of the race, with winds of up to 40 knots and over five-metre waves “It goes without saying that it is tough
physically; I have never been so sleep deprived in my life nor more physically challenged” he admitted three days into the race. Spindrift 2 also suffered in the wild, freezing swells of the North Atlantic: “You feel the boat’s pain with every wave, and you have the impression it will disintegrate from being tossed and banged about,” said Yann at that point. “It’s really violent, especially given the size of the boat. The bow rises by about 15 metres – it’s quite awe-inspiring.”
“Yann demonstrated incredible tenacity as well as a great deal of courage in controlling his exceptional maxi trimaran, and we are proud of him,” said Zenith CEO, Aldo Magada. “This Route du Rhum was particularly difficult and he fought to the very end. I would also like to congratulate Loïck Peyron, who is a great champion! Zenith has accompanied adventurers for the past 150 years. The interactions between men who live their passions and the brand with the guiding star star have been imprinted in the Manufacture’s genes since its creation in 1865 and thanks to men like Yann, will remain so for a long time to come.”
