8th CNB Rendez-Vous
Perfect cast, dream setting, finely crafted scenario… The 8th Rendez-Vous of CNB yacht owners played out like a dream. Eleven Bordeaux 60s, six CNB 76s and a one-off CNB 95′ were aligned in parade formation before the cliffs of Bonifacio. Sunshine and twenty knots of wind for a voyage under the spinnaker in the crystal clear waters of the Maddalena. Competition around three well calibrated courses with varying speeds. Conviviality and conversations during calls at Bonifacio and Poltu Quatu… sun-tanned and delighted faces two days later showing that the event had once again worked its magic.
Each year at the start of summer, many accept the boat building yard’s invitation for three days of conviviality. It is not the owner of the Belé who insisted on early delivery of his CNB 76 who will deny it. After trials on the Garonne and a quick voyage round the Iberian peninsula, the eleventh boat produced in the CNB boat building yard arrived on time in Bonifacio, thanks to its crew! Pat Bon, the 45th and most recently delivered Bordeaux 60 was also in the starting blocks. A name that fits like a glove on Kismet, the Swiss Bordeaux 60 that took it once again, despite solid resistance from Althane and Tupai … and a torn spinnaker in a classic luffing match!
The CNB Rendez-vous is often the occasion for crews to push their yachts a bit harder with occasional distinguished guests aboard such as Philippe Briand, who helmed the CNB 76 (the winner over Neyina on the first day), or the German navigator Boris Herrmann (a member of Francis Joyon’s crew), tactician on Malaïka (the second place CNB 76). Associated with the various courses, our partners Volvo Penta and Raymarine were present with their technicians to perform small adjustments, as were sailmakers Incidence and North Sails.
Competition and Dream
With its exceptional atmosphere and smooth organisation, the Rendez-vous let each one experience it at his own pace. Some came to do battle, and others came simply to share a family moment around their passion. As in the case of Infinity, the one-off 95′ in aluminium that we rediscovered eight years after its launch in Bordeaux. The fine framed photos of icebergs, fulmar-petrels and lagoons in its saloon recount a long journey that has been perfectly mastered. And rather impenetrable for one who seeks to uncover its mystery through the reflections of its impeccable blue lacquer!
The dream during this 8th CNB Rendez-vous also became reality when Philippe Briand unveiled the outlines of our new yacht, which will be launched in spring 2017. It was among family and before the official announcement at the Cannes Yachting Festival in September. You will understand then, if, for the moment, we cannot tell you much more. But there were murmurs on the landing stages of Bonifacio that it could give the Bordeaux 60s and CNB 76s a run for their money next year during the 9th CNB Rendez-vous…
