Thomas Vanwindekens is a Belgian architect. His practice is based in Brussels. But this man who designs not boats, but houses and interiors, hides an overflowing passion for the sea. For the past 20 years, he has been scrutinizing everything broadcast about ocean racing. In 2019, while confined to his home, he decided to kill time by building a model of one of his favorite boats: an IMOCA. After researching on the web, seeing that nothing existed, even in plastic, and mastering 3D architecture tools, he set about drawing his own IMOCA.
60 cm for 60 feet
As a basis, he used an extrapolated plan of Hugo Boss 6. His idea was to create a model that was easy to assemble. The first model imagined measures 60 cm, which is normal for a 60-foot boat! Thomas built it and posted images on social networks. He soon received requests to sell a model. So he delivered the first prototypes, asking for feedback on assembly and design, which enabled him to refine the project. A second model was born from this feedback, this time smaller to reduce costs and facilitate transport. The 40th scale model became the benchmark.
Wood, paper and cardboard, the least impacting solutions
Environmentally aware, Thomas sought out a local supplier to cut his parts. All parts are laser-cut on 3 mm poplar multiplex plywood. The entire model fits into 2 boards, which are delivered in recycled cardboard. A lover of beautiful things, Thomas has succeeded in making something minimalist, right down to the packaging. The model's instructions are not printed, but can be downloaded via a QR code.
IMOCA class ambassador
Thomas does this job for pure pleasure, in addition to his main job in his architectural practice. "My biggest pleasure was being spotted by the IMOCA class," he tells us, " They asked me to send them a model for the arrival of the Route du Rhum in 2022, to celebrate Charlie Dalin's victory. Marcus Hutchinson put the model together one night in his hotel room in Martinique. An incredible moment for me, as a big fan! "
For the pleasure of an enthusiast
This first collaboration opened doors for him: " I had the pleasure of being invited to walk the pontoons at the start of the Jacques Vabre in Le Havre with my children, a VIP badge around my neck ". Today, Thomas is developing other models, such as the Figaro and large Ultim trimarans. The idea is to make boats for all classes on the same scale (Class40, IMOCA, Ocean Fifty, Ultim...). But he came up against material problems, with the Ultim's floats in particular taking an angle with the woodwork. As a result, it remained a prototype. " Some sponsors call on me to provide the architectural drawings, but only for a single use, not to market a series. "Thomas is now also able to print logos on the sails to provide advertising support for sponsors.
Order online
For Thomas, building the model is accessible to everyone (aged 14 and over), and there's no need to be particularly handy. According to the designer, it takes between 3 and 5 hours to assemble your IMOCA. You'll get a model 55 cm long and 90 cm high for ?240 incl. VAT, which you can order on the Imoc-up website.
