Can you tell us how the Lite XP sail and oar boat project came about?
Mathieu Bonnet: The Lite XP was born from my participation in the Race To Alaska during the summer of 2016. This race, following the footsteps of the pioneers of the Great American North, connects Port Townsend in Washington State to Ketchikan in Alaska, for a distance of 1200 km, between the islands. It is reserved to boats without engine. I had initially planned to compete only by rowing with a Lite-Race model, but the length of the stages and the expected performances required to relieve the rower. So I called on Sam Manuard, with whom I had already worked on my classic rowing boats, to design a sail and oar boat adapted to the race. We came up with a trimaran, with which I participated in the race. Since then, we have worked again to make a boat more adapted to the public.
What is the Lite XP program?
Mathieu Bonnet: We wanted a rowing boat that would perform better than the existing offer. We needed a boat that was more balanced than the one used for the Race To Alaska and that could accommodate 2 people on board. The trimaran option used for the race was abandoned for cost reasons and we went back to a light monohull of only 165 kg. With a balanced sail plan, it is perfect in light airs.
Who are your target customers?
Mathieu Bonnet: We're looking for people who want it easy. The Lite XP is easy to launch, easy to handle... Even I, who has little sailing experience, sailed this summer in the Stockholm archipelago without any problems. We are not aiming at a rowing or sailing purist, but rather at the sport's all-rounder.
Industrially, how do you integrate the Lite XP into your conventional rowing production? What are your goals?
Mathieu Bonnet: Today we have 9 people for rowing and I want to recruit a dedicated team for the Lite XP. The production will take place in a 700 m² facility specifically for the Lite XP. It will start once the first 6 boats are pre-sold. The infusion, made in France, requires a minimum volume.
My personal goal would be to reach 100 boats sold in 5 to 7 years. We'll see if my instincts prove true.
