After three months of ambitious boatbuilding, the maxi trimaran Spindrift 2 was relaunched last week in Lorient (France) and returned to the base in La Trinité Sur Mer.
The largest racing trimaran in the world has been optimised for the demanding North Atlantic and 24-hours crewed records and then for the solo Route du Rhum. Meanwhile, Zenith unveiled the El Primero Lightweight at Baseworld, a hi-tech, ultra-light watch engraved Spindrift Racing, which is available in a limited edition (250 pieces).

Launch of the new maxi trimaran Spidrift in Lorient (France)

“I congratulate the Spindrift racing team for getting this work done despite such a tight schedule,” Guichard, the skipper, said. With a shorter mast, new sails, new centreboard, new autopilots, general weight loss and a modified deck plan and fittings, the last few weeks have been very busy. “We look forward to being at sea and enjoying the high performance of this fantastic boat,” Guichard added. “The changes made for the North Atlantic and the Route du Rhum mean we have the potential for a stronger performance even while we’re pushing Spindrift 2 less hard. I’ve always tried to sail with finesse, whether in Olympics or offshore and even on a machine of this size, it is possible.”

El Primero Lightweight by Zenith

For its contribution, Zenith has designed a cutting edge sports version of its legendary chronograph.
It has the same specifications as Spindrift 2 (i.e. remove superfluous weight, increase performance and ensure originality) and requirements that relied on the use of high-tech materials.
Known for their ability to combine technological innovation with creative daring, the engineers and watchmakers of the Manufacture were entrusted with the mission of developing a light watch with a sporty design, while making no compromises on precision, sturdiness and reliability – just as one optimises an engine intended for competition.

Jean-Frédéric Dufour (Zenith President & CEO) and Dona Bertarelli, part of the Spindrift team and winner of the Bol d’Or Mirabaud in 2010

The new El Primero Lightweight is distinguished by its carbon case featuring an original and complex construction. It combines flowing dynamics and lightness while displaying exceptional power. Based on its latest research in the domain of new materials, Zenith chose titanium – a light and highly resistant metal widely used in aeronautics – to make the main parts of the movements which are the heaviest when they are made in brass: namely the mainplate and five bridges (barrel bridge, balance bridge, lever-bridge, lever-wheel bridge and chronograph bridge).
The result is a 25% lighter weight.

The openworked dial provides another bird’s eye view of this legendary movement, a dynamic reinterpretation of the collection’s classic design characteristics. The transparency of the central part makes it even lighter and provides a clear view of the skeleton-worked El Primero calibre.
The disc-type date display is also both light and efficient thanks to cut-out stencil-style numerals standing out against a red dot at 6 o’clock. The generously hollowed-out facetted hour-markers bear a luminescent coating.

Source: Zenith