In agreement with M. André Beaufils, President of the Nautical Society of Saint-Tropez (SNST), the new M34 class' very first race will occur at the renowned regattas week "Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (ex Nioulargue). It will take place this year from September 27 to October 2.

The M34's regattas will take place within the context of the modern sailing boats events (such as the Wally!) as opposed to classical category of the traditional beautiful sailing boats that potter about.

The M34 will run in a specific ranking in real time as soon as five M34 at least are put down. First, to avoid to be ranked in IRC Class and most of all to keep the spirit of the one-design sailboat's principles which are dearest to the M34 Class.

In order to confirm the participation in this sails festival, all the new M34 owners are invited to get in touch with William Borel ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) who is connected with the SNST.
Finally, note that the regattas of "Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez" usually run in the A category of the advertising code. That means no advert marks on hulls and sails.

Join us at Saint-Tropez for a great event!
 

On January 11, the deck's mould had been removed from the mould. It will be operational very soon.
The hull's mould should follow in few days.
Meanwhile, Isotop Company is making the M34 composite keel fin. The first parts should be received around mid-February.

Since the beginning of the project and thanks to the initiative of Yannick Le Morvan, SP - the marine business of Gurit, has become an essential partner for the development of materials (epoxy resin, E-glass carbon, Corecell structural foam core) and engineering. SP has also worked with Aster Composite Company on the hull and deck process, as well as working with Isotop on the carbon / epoxy rudder, keel and bowsprit.  The manufacture of the first M34 will begin from January 2010.  
(Picture: Y. Le Morvan, K. Merle, J. Sellier, SP/Gurit; E. Archambault, G. Fercocq, Bateaux Archambault)

Dean Barker, Emirates Team New Zealand skipper, came for the press conference of the "Tour de France à la Voile".

He should take part in the 2011 "Tour de France".

Interview:

"I heard for the M34 project at La Rochelle Boatshow. I've been appealed with the one-design, the specifications of the boat and the sailing programme which is very attractive.

On July 2011, I will take part in the "Tour de France" with my friends from "Nexus Dean Barker Team".

Team New Zealand already had taken part twice in the "Tour de France", and we keep in mind very good memories of it.

Moreover, everyone is going to be motivated with this brand new boat."

The very first M34 will be launched next April under Nexus Dean Barker Team's colours.

The first two units will take part in the 2010 "Tour de France à la Voile" at Dunkerque. We already can plan some good match races. Why not against Dean Barker himself?