Lumibird partners with Michel Desjoyeaux on the Figaro Bénéteau circuit

©Paul Piccolini

Lumibird and Mer Agitée, Michel Desjoyeaux’s company, are delighted to announce their partnership for the Solitaire Urgo Le Figaro 2019.

Double Vendée Globe champion and the most medalled singlehanded sailor, Michel Desjoyeaux is making a comeback on a circuit he specialised in for many years. Triple winner of the “Solitaire” in 1992, 1998 and 2007, he’ll take the start of the race for the 13th time in his career. His last participation dates back to 2013 when he secured 7th place. It is the arrival of the new one-design Figaro Bénéteau 3, which convinced Michel Desjoyeaux to return to one of his first loves. The skipper of Lumibird has planned to participate in two pre-season races, the Solo Maitre Coq and the Solo Concarneau, before making for Nantes and the start of the Solitaire Urgo Le Figaro, scheduled for 2 June.

 

Marc Le Flohic CEO of Lumibird comments on this partnership:

“It is with very great pleasure that we’re going to sponsor Michel and all his team for the Solitaire du Figaro 2019. We are very familiar with Mer Agitée, as we’ve enjoyed a technological partnership for the past 3 years. Michel is an excellent competitor and we all hope he’ll have a fantastic season and that he’ll proudly fly the Lumibird flag.”

 

Michel Desjoyeaux reveals:

“I’m returning to the Solitaire Urgo le Figaro for the 13th time and I’m delighted about that! I must admit that last year I kind of had itchy feet watching the others in action. To my mind, in sporting terms the Solitaire is the toughest race there is and the arrival of the new Figaro 3 boosts my competitive side tenfold! It is with great pleasure that I’ll be flying the flag of this very fine technological company with its roots in Brittany

 

Extracts from Michel Desjoyeaux’ track record

  • Double champion of the Vendée Globe: in 2000-2001 aboard PRB and in 2008-2009 aboard Foncia
  • Winner of the Solitaire du Figaro in 1992, 1998 and in 2007
  • Winner of the Route du Rhum in 2002 on Géant
  • Winner of The Transat in 2004 again with Géant
  • Winner of the Transat Jacques Vabre in 2007, with Emmanuel Le Borgne, on Foncia
  • Winner of the Transat AG2R in 1992, with Jacques Caraës
  • Winner of the Record SNSM on the 60-foot IMOCA monohull Foncia in 2007
  • Winner of the crewed Istanbul Europa Race in 2009
  • Winner of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud in 2009 with Alain Gautier aboard Foncia

 

The Figaro Bénéteau Lumibird race programme