Vitalia 2

FRANCOIS BICH

François Bich expressed the wish to acquire a catamaran to realise his dream of a sports programme for speed driven world cruises. Having already sailed Magic Cat a number of times he arranges a meeting with Yann Penfornis, CEO of Multiplast, to discuss the different options for his initiative. It was after reviewing several drafts Francois notices the hull of Orange 2 in dry dock at Multiplast. It is at this point François enquires about the future of Orange 2. Two days later François Bich contacts Multiplast to evaluate the feasibility of transforming and the future performance. All augurs well. Bruno Peyron, understanding there will be no changes to the sleek lines of Orange 2, is seduced by the project.
All augurs well. Bruno Peyron, understanding there will be no changes to the sleek lines of Orange 2, is seduced by the project.
It is from this meeting and from this coincidence that the legend is born.
VITALIA II. the name Chosen for the new catamaran, is an acronym from the initials of his four children.

Biography François Bich

François is the son of Baron Marcel Bich, founder of BIC.
He is married with 4 children.
Director and Chief Operating Officer of the BIC group and the General Manager of BIC.

The professional career of Francois Bich.

February 1st 1969 he enters into the world of BIC.
March 1st 1971 Develops and launches world wide the BIC lighter. This aspect of the BIC group remains his responsibility to date.
2014:
- BIC lighters produced 1.3 billion .
- The BIC group has a turnover of 1 979, 1 million euros.
- Francois BIC lighter achieving 581 million euros 30% revenue and 61% of BIC group profits.
- The category Lighter recorded a profit of € 220 million or 61% of the Group's profits.

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F. Bich family.

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Photo of F. Bich s with its Lighter technical team, in charge of global production BIC Lighters.

François Bich, the passion OF the sea and sailing.

Sailing experience :

Francois Bich’s passion for sailing started in 1956 aboard the family boat “LAK” (designed by Mr Andre Mauric) and sailing his Ponant, 505.

From 1965 : he sailed the family 12m J1 sovereign.
1966 to 1970 : the 12 JI was used in preparation for the America’s Cup.
October 1967 – 1969 : Military service at Bataillon de Joinville, well known for sport and gymnastics. Francois continued his preparation for the America’s Cup.
1970 -1974 : Francois Bich participated in the America’s Cup crew as a team member.

 

 

 

 

 

September 1970 : François accompanied Eric Tabarly on Pen Duick III from Tahiti to Noumea without automatic pilot.
1971 François makes the three masted "Shenandoah" fit for charter. After three years the project ended and it was revealed that François Bich had been the patron.

 

The sailing history of François Bich:

Hobie 14, 18, 21.

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FIVE yawl - 17m.

Formule 40.

Purchased and sailed for 7 years the Formula 40 multihull Pierre 1er.
Acquires, and still owns, the Formula 40 trimaran TRIGA. The craft Steve Ravussin won his category in the Route du Rhum. Coincidently Loïck Peyron, Bruno Peyron’s brother competed in the same race, different handicap.

 

Magic Cat.

Has sailed many times on Magic Cat catamaran 24 metres built by Multiplast, in which he has achieved the speed record of 34 knots.

 

other navigations.

 

Navigation photos by François Bich .