Facnor congratulates the achievement of all Vendée Globe racers and the excellent work of their teams - especially, the young French skippers François Gabart who has brilliantly won this VG edition and Armel Le Cleac’h (2^nd) who has animated and dominated with him this race. Facnor team is proud of being selected and contributing to the performance of those talented sailors, who have both circumnavigated the globe singlehanded within only 78 days. Facnor structural and Gennaker furlers are indeed fitted on board of Macif and Banque Populaire Open 60. Our furling systems are known for their reliability, again tested during more that 28000 miles. Let’s remind that the boats winning the four last VG were equipped with Facnor product!

The other Facnor equipped boats still in the VG race : Mirabaud (Dominique Wavre), Synerciel (Jean Le Cam), Akena Vérandas (Arnaud Boissières), Team Plastique (Alessandro Di Benedetto).

The young French skipper François Gabart has brillantly won this 2012-13 Vendée Globe followed shortly (only three hours later) by the other French skipper Armel Le Cléac’h. Facnor team is proud for being chosen and for contributing to the performance of those skippers who have both circumnavigated the globe singlehanded within only 78 days. Facnor structural and Gennaker furlers are in deed fitted on board of Macif and Banque Populaire Open 60. Let’s remind that the boats winning the four last VG were equipped with Facnor products!

Since the last three weeks, three skippers have been fighting for the Vendée Globe podium. Out of this leading trio two (Banque Populaire skipped by Armel Le Cléac'h and Macif by François Gabart) are equipped with Facnor Solent and flying sail furlers. On the Open 60 stage Facnor tends to be a "sure value" as the three last Vendée Globe winners -  Michel Desjoyeaux on PRB in 2001, Vincent Riou also on PRB in 2005, and again Michel Desjoyeaux on Foncia in 2009 – had our products on board.

Also equipped with Facnor : Mirabaud (Dominique Wavre), Synerciel (Jean Le Cam), Akena Vérandas (Arnaud Boissières), Team Plastique (Alessandro Di Benedetto).

Official web site: www.vendeeglobe.org 

During Chicago Boat show, Facnor officially received the Pittman Award in the "Racing gear" category for the FlatDeck Jib Furler. Sail, an influential American magazine, awards the most innovative products available on the current marine market. "It was more difficult than ever for our judges to narrow down such a strong field of new products. Here's proof that the marine industry is forging ahead with research and development", declared the SM Editor, Peter Nielsen. Even more recognition for Facnor... the SM journalists have particularly appreciated the FlatDeck webbing furling gear because of the low profile drum (maximum luff) and the safety advantage of the webbing (no possible overriding). This award spotlights the inovative and accurate work in R & D, already bringing about a keen interest  among marine professionals and boat owners.

Picture : Dominique Yon, Facnor Manager and vice president of Sparcraft-us receives the Pittman Award during Chicago Boat Show