The first IMOCA with a scow bow
When it was launched in the colors of L'Occitane en Povence, this IMOCA was a forerunner. The rounded bow, widely used on Minis and Class40s, was inspired by the Scow, a dinghy designed in the United States at the turn of the century. This shorter bow shape is designed to facilitate planning while reducing the risk of running aground. Although this approach has been tested on smaller boats, it has never before been applied to 60-foot yachts.
Cutting-edge features
L'Occitane also stood out for being slightly narrower than its competitors, with a beam of 5.50 meters. The first foiler designed by Samuel Manuard, it was also the only one built by the Black Pepper yard, and the first IMOCA designed for Armel Tripon.
Since its launch, L'Occitane en Provence has impressed with its ability to sail low yet remain stable, thanks to innovative Dali-type foils, whose design is reminiscent of the artist's moustache. Sam Manuard's design is based on the idea that the hull should skim the surface of the water (skimming) without rising too high. The foils can also be retracted to reduce drag in light winds.
L'Occitane was also the only IMOCA with foils attached at deck level, rather than at waterline level. This arrangement favors a steady average rather than top speed.
A half-tone Vendée Globe 2020
After being launched in January 2020, l'Occitane's preparation was marked by structural problems that overshadowed her performance. Shortly after the start of the Vendée Globe 2020, Armel suffered serious damage to his J3 hook, forcing him to make repairs at anchor off La Coruña. Caught in a different weather system from the leading group, he never managed to catch up with the leaders. He finished in 11th place e place, completing the course in 84 days.
Louis Burton back at the helm
In 2021, Louis Burton bought the Manuard design, which became Bureau Vallée 3. And his preparation was no picnic. He dismasted in the Jacques Vabre 2021 and then in the Route du Rhum 2022.
He then made a few modifications to his rig, which has since shown no signs of weakness. The sail plan was redesigned to better regulate power upwind.
On the hull side, the team cut away the front third of the hull to graft a more spatulate shape.
He also took the opportunity to install numerous reinforcements on the boat's structure:
"Since the two transatlantic races (The Transat CIC and New York Vendée) we've completed, we've made a huge amount of composites on the structural reinforcements. It's a "suspender belt" version of Bureau Vallée, for a safe round-the-world voyage, but without any loss of performance!".
"We've never sailed so much in the 4-year cycle between Vendée Globe races, and that's a very good thing. We've been able to test, improve and validate solutions. Since Bureau Vallée was relaunched in mid-September, we've been sailing as much as possible. We've been going out to sea for varying lengths of time, with different themes: rigging, new sails, waterproofing, fine-tuning... And in all possible wind and sea conditions, so it's been very positive. " adds Louis .
