We are pleased to announce that world-renowned French sailor, Loïck Peyron, has signed up to participate in Summer Sailstice for the second year in a row. Loïck is currently en route to Newport, Rhode Island to practice for the final event of the America's Cup World Series '11-'12.
The charismatic frenchman has kept busy skippering the catamaran for the French America's Cup Challenger- Energy Team, but took time off in November of 2011 to blast around the planet on maxi-trimaran Banque Populaire V for the Trophee Jules Verne record, which he achieved in an amazing record breaking time of 45 days 13 hours 42 minutes 53 seconds at an average speed of 26.51 knots, covering a total distance of 29 002 miles. Whew! Returning in early January Loick jumped right back into America’s Cup sailing.
Why would a sailor with so many miles, records, trophies, accolades and accomplishments want to connect with a global sailing celebration? Our best sense of the sailor is a true love for what sailing has brought to him and brings to the world. Loïck is always keen to share his experiences and his love for the sport which makes him one of the most popular sailors around. Not only does Loïck like to sail fast but he likes to sail often as his 2011 Sailstice participation demonstrated. In the one weekend last year, he sailed the Bol d’Or on Lake Geneva on Saturday, and then flew to the coast of France to sail in the Saint Nazaire-Saint Malo Record on Sunday. But that was just a mild, warm-up run. 'The Jedi Master' as Loick is affectionately called, is quite accustomed to this busy schedule as he is always in demand sailing boats of all shapes and sizes across the world, seemingly in many places at once. He wouldn't have it any other way, It's in his blood.
Coming off a massive win at the AC Worlds in Venice, Loïck had a few words for us before heading to Newport:
"I'm looking forward to participating in Summer Sailstice again this year. In 2011 it was quite a busy one for me, sailing the Bol d'Or in Suisse on the D35 catamaran Okalys-Corum, followed by the SNSM Record driving the big blue Banque Populaire tri. ... This time for Sailstice I will be stateside in Newport having a little practice session on the Energy Team AC45 before the big weekend. Hope to see you out there too"
As his British record-smashing colleague Brian Thompson said about Loïck, "Loïck is the best all round multihull sailor there is" and we have to agree. He’s clearly one of the most passionate and dedicated.
It’s fantastic to have such a skilled and passionate sailor as Loïck sailing 'with us' as he continues to pursue the dreams of a professional sailor. This is the reason Summer Sailstice exists – to connect those with a love of sailing together in a shared celebration of all that sailing brings to our lives, no matter where you are or what level of sailor you may be.
We hope you can sign up with Loïck and sailors around the world in celebrating to the diverse and dispersed world of sailing.
Loïck Peyron will be sailing on the Summer Sailstice weekend of June 23rd, in Newport, Rhode Island as he arrives as a favored competitor with Energy Team after clinching the top podium spot for the ACWS Venice. By signing up and sailing your boat, wherever you are in the world, you’ll be sharing a sail with Loïck. Bon Vent!
Follow the adventures of Loick Peyron on his Facebook or Twitter pages
Loick being congratulated in Venice Ellen Hoke Photography
