The winning design – named M34 – was revealed in July 2009 as the successor to the Farr 30 (the one design used from 1999 to 2010) and developed using a package of SP-High Modulus engineering and composite materials.

The manufacture of the first M34 unit has begun.

The Tour de France à la Voile is an annual yachting race around the coast of France. Every team uses the same boat design. 

Boat yard Archambault, of France, created the M34 design, which is 1 m longer than the Farr 30 at 10.34 m and will be more powerful than its predecessor thanks to a greater sail area/displacement ratio.

SP-High Modulus will work in collaboration with Archambault, French yacht design office Joubert/Nivelt/Mercier Design, and the systems manufacturer Isotop in the design and development process of the M34, which will be launched in March 2010.

SP-High Modulus’ technical team proposed a selection of materials including an epoxy resin system, Corecell™ M-Foam core and an E-glass carbon/glass fabric especially made for this project. The company 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.

30 boats, at a rate of five units a month, will be needed to meet the race date of July 2011.