After the tests, competitions, finalizing, and modifications at the boat yard, the hour is at hand for prototype #4. It will be the last before launching the Longtze Premier production series. Benefiting from the different options chosen, and validated via the three preceding prototypes, it is the synthesis of some fifty evolutionary points ranging from the size of the spinnaker halyard, to the form of the keel, eventually ending in rudders constructed completely in carbon. Summary with Luc Gellusseau, technical director.

"The prototypes served to validate the developments made, starting from the existing boat, the T680. We had tried the boat in Berlin during December of last year and we started off with a very good base because the hull not only fulfilled our performance criteria but also manageability and security requirements. Primarily, we wanted to bring modifications to the sail and deck plans.

The prototypes #1 and #2 allowed us to freeze our choices regarding the sail plan configuration as well as a certain number of options concerning the deck hardware.Prototype #3 allowed us to validate the need to adapt the appendages to the newly developed sail plan. We have also made the boat more practical to trim and maneuver by arranging the hardware a little differently. We wanted to simplify and make the boat more efficient, in all wind conditions, using the systems best adapted to exploit the boat's positive qualities.

Now we will go forward with prototype #4, which will be the evolutionary synthesis of all the changes, and the last tests, we will launch the production series. It must answer to the most demanding sailors in as much as those just starting to sail".

Fdb/Lh