As Pascale Dubois explains, the boat's original colours of grey/orange aren't altering, but there is now greater emphasis on the orange: "The grey is representative of the Group's technological image. The colour orange meantime conjures up images, which are more to do with competition and adventure. We wanted to emphasise this colour, notably on the logo, to give the whole thing more of a boost, more energy."
Constraints and objectives
Isabelle Keller had to implement these changes with respect to the constraints tied in with the sail materials themselves, which differ according to whether it's an upwind or a downwind sail. The designer also had to contend with the branding imposed by the race sponsors and the constraints associated with the marine environment. Finally, it was necessary to take into account the weight of the paint. Indeed the constant battle to save weight is essential to optimising the boat's performance.
Leaving nothing to chance
"You can't really tell from the outside, but it's quite complicated to take into account all these parameters whilst optimising the positioning of the branding: you have to work with the sails, the designer, Marc Guillemot and his team and encourage communication between all these people. Obviously all that has to done with an eye on performance and aesthetics. Equally it shouldn't be forgotten that this new branding has to be translated across to the sailors' clothing, the Group's promotional material, the website and various leaflets... in a word, everything that forms part of the communications platform for the marine sponsorship project."
* In addition to her work on Safran, Isabelle Keller has notably designed the décor on the IMOCAs Groupe Bel and Macif.
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