MACIF: The yacht sailing into the record books?

By Patrick Sung & Tom McGowan, CNN
1 minute read
Updated 8:22 AM EDT, Wed May 11, 2016
Aerial image bank of the Maxi Trimaran Ultim MACIF, skipper Francois Gabart, off Les Glenans, brittany, west France, on march 29, 2016 - Photo Jean Marie Liot / DPPI / MACIF
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Aerial image bank of the Maxi Trimaran Ultim MACIF, skipper Francois Gabart, off Les Glenans, brittany, west France, on march 29, 2016 - Photo Jean Marie Liot / DPPI / MACIF
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Story highlights

MACIF is a 100-foot trimaran built to shatter world records

Frenchman Francois Gabart will attempt round-the-world record in 2017

CNN  — 

Question; What’s 100 feet long and made to smash world records?

Answer? The MACIF trimaran, a giant yacht which one of sailing’s biggest stars is hoping to pilot into the history books.

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Built for renowned French sailor Francois Gabart, next year he will pilot the vessel during an attempt to break a round-the-world sailing record.

The 33-year-old is looking to break compatriot Francis Joyon’s single-handed circumnavigation record, which stands at 57 days, 13 hours, 34 minutes and six seconds.

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And Gabart’s preparations seem to be going well. He become the first sailor to complete the 2016 Transat bakerly event Tuesday, claiming line honors in the Ultimes class.

The MACIF trimaran, designed by naval firm Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost, was built with one goal in mind: to break world records.
The MACIF trimaran, designed by naval firm Van Peteghem Lauriot-Prévost, was built with one goal in mind: to break world records.
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
The 100-foot yacht was built for renowned French sailor Francois Gabart.
The 100-foot yacht was built for renowned French sailor Francois Gabart.
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
The 33-year-old is racing the boat in the Plymouth to New York Transat bakerly in an attempt to break the solo around the world record.
The 33-year-old is racing the boat in the Plymouth to New York Transat bakerly in an attempt to break the solo around the world record.
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
In 2013, Gabart won the Vendee Globe -- an unassisted, round the world race -- in a record time of 78 days, two hours and 16 minutes.
In 2013, Gabart won the Vendee Globe -- an unassisted, round the world race -- in a record time of 78 days, two hours and 16 minutes.
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
Next year, Gabart -- sailing MACIF -- will be attempting to break Francis Joyon's single-handed circumnavigation record, which stands at 57 days, 13 hours, 34 minutes and six seconds.
Next year, Gabart -- sailing MACIF -- will be attempting to break Francis Joyon's single-handed circumnavigation record, which stands at 57 days, 13 hours, 34 minutes and six seconds.
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
"The Transat bakerly, it is no longer what it was (waves, icebergs, biting winds)," <a href="http://www.thetransat.com/news/view/the-word-from-the-water" target="_blank" target="_blank">Gabart told the Transat website</a>. "I'm in Crocs and shorts! Considering the size of the Atlantic, how close we are is ridiculous."
"The Transat bakerly, it is no longer what it was (waves, icebergs, biting winds)," Gabart told the Transat website. "I'm in Crocs and shorts! Considering the size of the Atlantic, how close we are is ridiculous."
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
"After racing such a distance, our difference is ridiculous. It's awesome! We wanted to get some competition, and it has delivered," Gabart told the Transat website as he reflected on his Atlantic duel with Sodebo skipper Thomas Coville on Friday May 6.
"After racing such a distance, our difference is ridiculous. It's awesome! We wanted to get some competition, and it has delivered," Gabart told the Transat website as he reflected on his Atlantic duel with Sodebo skipper Thomas Coville on Friday May 6.
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
The MACIF trimaran measures 21 meters across and weighs 14.5 tons, while the sails measure 430/650 square meters.
The MACIF trimaran measures 21 meters across and weighs 14.5 tons, while the sails measure 430/650 square meters.
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
On his around the world trip, Gabart recently told Yachting World he estimates he will spend "95% of my time" in the yacht's cabin, as the design allows him to rest, navigate, be close to important controls and most of his food supplies.
On his around the world trip, Gabart recently told Yachting World he estimates he will spend "95% of my time" in the yacht's cabin, as the design allows him to rest, navigate, be close to important controls and most of his food supplies.
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
Trimarans of this size can now comfortably maintain speeds of 40 knots (46 miles per hour).
Trimarans of this size can now comfortably maintain speeds of 40 knots (46 miles per hour).
Jean-Marie Liot / DPPI / Macif
MACIF: The 100ft yacht built to topple world records