The last edition of the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe has just closed a four-year cycle for the IMOCA class, leaving room for a new cycle, culminating in the 2024 Vendée Globe. The class association has voted in favor of a new class rule for the next four years, a logical follow-up to the last single-handed round-the-world race, which was full of surprises.
And as after each edition, the skippers' announcements are numerous. An opportunity to take stock of the new projects.
New constructions
Yannick Bestaven winner of the last Vendée Globe on Maitre Coq, an old generation foiler launches the construction of a new IMOCA Maître Coq V a Verdier plan, designed in the moulds of the 11th monohull Hours 2. Construction will begin in June 2021 at the CDK Technologies yard.
Jérémie Beyou announced the construction of a Charal 2 The boat will be a Manuard design with a spatulated and rounded bow, similar to the former Occitane en Provence. The boat will be launched in June 2022.
Kevin Escoffier who was shipwrecked on his IMOCA PRB in the Southern Ocean is now sailing alongside Armel le Cléac'h in the Banque Populaire team. But willing to take part in the Vendée Globe 2024 again, he is embarking on a new campaign in IMOCA on a new PRB boat. This Verdier design, whose hull (initially launched for an Ocean Race project) is already under construction in England at Jason Carrington's yard, and will be repatriated to France at the end of November. The construction will be completed in Lorient and the launch is scheduled for 2022.
With a 10th place in the last Vendée Globe, Maxime Sorel has found a new partner - in addition to V and B and the Mayenne department - the Monbana chocolate factory. Thus, the skipper announced the construction of a new IMOCA, sistership of the 60 feet IMOCA Apivia of Charlie Dalin - first on the finish line and second in the last Vendée Globe. Construction has started at the Multiplast yard with the ocean racing team MerConcept as the main contractor. The launch is scheduled for June 2022.
Boris Herrmann still in partnership with SeaExplorer-Yacht Club de Monaco launches the construction of a new IMOCA for The Ocean Race 2023 and the Vendée globe 2024. This VPLP design will be a bit scow-like but with foils similar to those of his former boat, Malizia. Finally, the cockpit will be inspired by Hugo Boss' but more open.
Hand changes
The British sailor Pip Hare has distinguished herself by her performance and perseverance in the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe. After a very good 19th place, the sailor wanted to start a new 2024 campaign on a hydrofoil boat. It is done since she bought the former Bureau Vallée 2 from Louis Burton, 3rd in the race and found a sponsor.
Louis Burton The third-placed competitor in the 2020-2021 Vendée Globe wants to have all the cards in his hand to perform well in the next edition of the solo round-the-world race. So he bought L'Occitane en Provence a hydrofoil scow designed by architect Sam Manuard.
Romain Attanasio would also like to win the next edition of the Vendée Globe, especially on a hydrofoil boat. Happy to have found a new partner - Fortinet - in addition to his historical partners Best Western® Hotels & Resorts and Pure, the skipper has bought Boris Herrmann's ex IMOCA Malizia. It is a Verdier and VPLP design launched in 2015 and equipped with foils.
Damien Seguin finished in 7th position in his first Vendée Globe 2020-2021 on a dinghy. With Groupe Apicil, his sponsor, they have just announced the purchase of Yannick Bestaven's foiler, Maitre Coq IV.
Benjamin Dutreux one of the revelations of the last edition of the Vendée Globe has just announced the purchase of the IMOCA 11th Hour Racing (Ex-Hugo Boss 2016). It is an old generation foiler that was used by Charlie Enright's American team to develop their new boat, which will leave the yard this summer.
The newcomers
Louis Duc which used to race in Class40, has bought Clément Giraud's former boat, which was involved in a fire before the start of the 2019 Transat Jacques Vabre. It is a Farr design from 2007, financed by a campaign different from the others .
Antoine Cornic has made its debut in the Mini Class and intends to continue in IMOCA after buying Derek Hatfield's former Spirit of Canada (2008-2009).
Guirec Soudée who will soon be rowing across the Atlantic - after having sailed solo around the world with his hen Monique - has just bought Benjamin Dutreux's boat. It is the IMOCA without foils Omia - Water Family, on board which Benjamin had finished in 9th position.
