Key moments of 2021 - In praise of simplicity

Then in the spring, we had the chance to try out the newest member of the NEEL family, the 43. Easy to handle, simple and intelligent in its layout, reactive and lively like a go-kart under sail. Finally, in November, in Lorient, we had to don our foul weather gear to board the new version of the ORC 42. Off to a lightning start in the lightest of airs, the spinnaker hoisted on the fly, and boatspeed higher than that of the wind: this catamaran is not lacking in with sensations and has everything you need to live aboard for as long as you like. Of course, from the Astus to the rocketship signed by Marsaudon Composites, the difference in budget is exponential, but all these models praise a certain sobriety, one that suits multihulls particularly well. Simplicity makes sense in these times of protean crises. James Wharram who departed these shores on December 14th can sail between the clouds with a light heart. He never stopped designing for the less fortunate, multihulls to go fast, far, with less materials, less technology. His (immense) work will never have been in vain: associated with the trials of this year that has been 2021, it will have contributed to changing our view of boating: “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away”, - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

François Trégouët
Journalist