From the Figaro circuit to IMOCA
After Clarisse Crémer in 2019 and Justine Mettraux in 2020, a new sailor is joining the IMOCA circuit. She is Elodie Bonafous, a rising star on the Figaro Bénéteau circuit, where she made her debut in 2020. In collaboration with Groupe Quéguiner, she will be at the start of the Vendée Globe 2028 aboard a new IMOCA boat.
The young woman explains: "I met Bertrand on the Figaro Bénéteau circuit in 2021 in Morlaix Bay during a stopover in Roscoff. We're both proud of our Breton roots and values. We quickly decided to work together on the 2022 circuit. Bertrand has always wanted to look to the future. The IMOCA Globe Series circuit was a goal for both of us, but to commit, we wanted to bring together several ingredients: a rapidly optimized, new-generation boat, a high-performance shipyard while being well surrounded."
A Verdier plan built by CDK and supported by Mer Concept
Bertrand Quéguiner, director of the Horizon29 Course au large stable, will launch the construction of an IMOCA boat this summer. The launch is scheduled for January 2025, which will enable the young Breton to gain the necessary technical experience and train as much as possible, with the Vendée Globe due 3 years later.
This Verdier hydrofoil design will be built at CDK Technologies, with support from Mer Concept, founded and managed by François Gabart. Bertrand Quéguiner explains: "Although I've been away from the IMOCA circuit for seven years, I've kept abreast of the market and the program proposed by the Class. As Team Manager, my wish was to work with experts and local players to build the IMOCA, enriched by the experience of Mer Concept's engineering teams. Our Imoca will be launched in January 2025."
