The Vendée Globe, star of the IMOCA class
Who says IMOCA says Vendée Globe... This single-handed, non-stop round the world race is the most emblematic and popular event in the class... The figures are unanimous. During the last edition, 2,250,000 visitors came to the race village in Les Sables-d'Olonne for the skippers' departures and arrivals. An increase of 25%, compared to the 1,800,000 visitors present in 2012-2013.
Reorganizing the calendar
However, it is important to create more links between the other races and the Vendée Globe, the high point of the class, which takes place every four years, as Antoine Mermod, President of the class explains: "It is important to create more links between the other races and the Vendée Globe, which is the high point of the class, which takes place every four years In order to find some continuity, we need to create more links between races to move up to this flagship event. That's why we've come up with an overhaul of our Championship, which will be renamed the "Globe Series", with a four-year points and coefficient system that we'll be detailing shortly."
Thus, each year, two major events will be organised, one with large fleets and the other with satellite events called "exhibition races" In 2018, a new race will be organised in Monaco at the beginning of June. We will have to wait until the beginning of the year to find out more. The skippers will then take part in the Route du Rhum, destination Guadeloupe in November.
In 2019, there will be the Barcelona World Race and the Transat Jacques Vabre. Finally, in 2020, there will be the IMOCA boats in The Transat and the New York Vendée.
A calendar that is not definitive, as Antoine Mermod explains "It is not impossible that other races will be added to this calendar. But we've already put in place a solid backbone, as offering a quality calendar is essential to attract sailors and sponsors."
The Mediterranean, a new playground
A full programme will be offered around the Mediterranean, including a single-handed race to Cascais (Portugal), which will be qualifying for the Route du Rhum, which will take place following the Grand Prix Guyader in Douarnenez. There will also be the Monaco event with around 10 to 15 boats expected. The organisation also plans to enter the IMOCA class on the Giraglia (between Saint-Tropez and Genoa).
"In our opinion, it is essential to highlight the Mediterranean coast, which offers exceptional sailing conditions in spring. Furthermore, the Mediterranean is an interesting market for the IMOCA, and sports projects are being set up there" concludes the class president.
A playground that is not unknown to everyone, as several skippers have already chosen the Mediterranean for training before the Vendée Globe: Kito de Pavant, Didac Costa and Sébastien Destremau. A playground that is also attracting other classes, as the Ultimes will be starting the 2018 season with a newly created race Nice UltiMed. This will be the first time that Nice will host a regatta for the Ultimate .
