This boat is going to be amazing

Alexis Loison Launches His New Class40 Groupe REEL

At 3:00 pm on Wednesday 1 July, the new Class40 Groupe REEL was launched in Le Verdon-sur-Mer, on France's Atlantic coast. Designed by Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group and built by Neo Sailing Technologies, this new Lift V3 will be Alexis Loison's companion for the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, which starts on 1 November in Saint-Malo.

After eight months of design, preparation and construction, Class40 Groupe REEL finally touched the water under clear summer skies. Built specifically for Alexis Loison, the Lift V3 is the result of a close collaboration between the skipper, Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group, and Neo Sailing Technologies. While the launch marks the successful completion of several months of work, it also signals the true beginning of the project led by Alexis Loison and his long-standing partner, REEL Group.

"Launching the boat is a huge milestone, but above all it's the beginning of a great adventure. Building my first Class40 has been an incredibly rewarding experience. I was deeply impressed by the work carried out by the teams at Neo Sailing Technologies, who achieved an enormous amount with remarkable attention to detail. I'd also like to congratulate the team at Marc Lombard Yacht Design Group for this fantastic collaboration. Seeing the boat in her natural element today, proudly carrying the colours of REEL Group, is a very special moment."

The coming days promise to be particularly busy for the Norman skipper. Following measurement procedures and final technical checks, Alexis Loison will head to Cherbourg-en-Cotentin for the DRHEAM-CUP, which starts on 12 July.

The race holds special significance for Loison, as it starts from Cherbourg, where he learned to sail, before finishing in Lorient, the town he now calls home. His first race in the Class40 will primarily be an opportunity to discover the boat's potential and continue fine-tuning her in real racing conditions.

"This race will first and foremost be a learning experience. The goal isn't the result, but to get to know the boat in competition, measure ourselves against the fleet, and identify the final areas for improvement before the major events later in the season."

This first outing will be an important milestone in developing and optimising Class40 Groupe REEL ahead of the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe, the flagship event of the Class40 calendar. Several weeks of sea trials will still allow the skipper to further refine the boat's reliability and fully explore her potential before the start in Saint-Malo on 1 November.

"I'm convinced this boat is going to be amazing. We've achieved the objectives we set ourselves—now it's up to me to make the most of it. I can't wait to discover her full potential, see what she's capable of, and learn how to get the very best out of her. This also marks the beginning of a new adventure with REEL Group, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year. This boat exists thanks to REEL Group, and I'm extremely proud to carry its colours once again. After three fantastic years in the Figaro class, an exciting new chapter is about to begin. I'm also especially motivated because this is the first time I'll be racing a boat that's truly my own."

Philippe Frantz, Chairman of REEL Group:

"The launch of Class40 Groupe REEL is a source of great pride for our Group as we celebrate our 80th anniversary. This boat embodies our values of innovation, precision and commitment, while opening a new chapter in our history alongside Alexis Loison, whom we are proud to support on the Route du Rhum – Destination Guadeloupe."

Source: Alexis Loison – REEL Group