One of the building blocks of the French offshore sailing scene is a 33-foot boat with a carbon mast, 2 rudders, and some water ballast, called the Figaro 2. Follow this link to an interview with naval architect Marc Lombard, who won the design competition that led to the Beneteau Figaro 2, an integral part of the success of “La Solitaire”.
Don’t know about La Solitaire? Yachting World calls it “The hardest sailing race on the planet where money means nothing”.
Great photo album of Figaro 2 sailing link here.
Sailing For All 