On the eve of Francis Joyon’s amazing record-breaking feat see news story here , Yves Parlier yesterday unveiled his new extreme racing machine to the world. The much-awaited launch was witnessed by 100s of onlookers who were keen to see the first glimpse of Médiatis Région Aquitaine, Parlier’s 60ft hydroplane in which he hopes to break even more records.

This extreme catamaran with its twin rigs, and hydrofoil planing hulls designed by Romaric Neyhousser/Guillaume Verdier/Loic Goepfert/Gregoire Durousseau of the Aquitaine Design Team will make its racing debut at the forthcoming Transat which starts from Plymouth from 31 May. In the meantime Parlier intends to embark on immediate sea trials.