An IMOCA at the cutting edge of technology
Macif Santé Prévoyance is the result of 60,000 hours of work by CDK Technologies and the MerConcept stable. Built with a particular focus on ergonomics and reliability, this versatile IMOCA is based on Charlie Dalin's feedback from his first Vendée Globe in 2020/2021. Launched in June 2023, she has already proven her potential in competitive sailing.
Optimized for the Vendée Globe
The IMOCA Macif Santé Prévoyance has been designed to combine power and stability, enabling the skipper to handle extreme conditions. Architect Guillaume Verdier worked on a design that reduces drag by 10-12% compared to the previous Apivia model. The hull, optimized for better water penetration, ensures more stable sailing, with a tulip-shaped bow and a slightly narrower stern to reduce loading.
To maximize aerodynamics and reliability, the deck has been designed with enlarged glazing and improved visibility angles, facilitating seawater evacuation and increasing safety. The deck layout has been redesigned to facilitate circulation between maneuvers, while offering enhanced protection from the elements. As a result, Charlie Dalin can move around safely, even in the roughest conditions on the high seas.
The cockpit and living area: innovative ergonomics to enhance performance
Particular attention was paid to ergonomics right from the design stage, with an advanced, compact cockpit and a living area redesigned to limit movement. Located at the stern, the 4.5 m² living area enables the sailor to sail efficiently, reducing fatigue and avoiding accidents, while keeping the winch station, compact design, chart table and bench in close proximity.
"I need this compact space, where everything is accessible, so I can concentrate safely and minimize energy loss." explains Charlie Dalin. With this layout, he can spend more time at the chart table, a crucial area for monitoring and adjusting race navigation. Thermal insulation is also better exploited, to adapt to temperature differences between different parts of the globe. Another feature is an LED light integrated into the chart table, which adapts to the skipper's rhythm of life, depending on whether he needs to rest or concentrate.
"It's quite a strong bias of the boat, a layout planned from the start, chosen by Charlie. There's a lot of work involved, because it's not what we know best to build seats or benches. We went iteratively, planning adjustments and dampers for all these elements. The space is located aft of the cockpit and between the mast step, under the roof, at the level of its large cockpit openings. The direction of travel is intuitive. It faces the road to get to the cockpit, and doesn't turn its back on the boat's motion, whether to get to the chart table or the bench seat" explains Guillaume Combescure, technical director of the IMOCA Macif Santé Prévoyance.
Strategic changes for the solo round-the-world race
Macif Santé Prévoyance has seen many changes since she was first launched for the Vendée Globe. Charlie Dalin and the technical team have tested essential adjustments, such as new-generation foils and a set of sails specially designed for the Vendée Globe. "I'm really looking forward to testing this boat designed and engineered for the Vendée Globe" confided the skipper.
A new generation of foils to maximize power
Since the boat's launch, the team has been working hard on the foils. A V2 replaced the original foils when the boat was launched in early 2024, after the summer refit. The shape of the foil was adapted to the boat's behavior and position, to suit the angle of heel at which the boat is most comfortable. "Guillaume Verdier has worked to make more efficient sections that generate less drag while producing more power." explains Guillaume Combescure.
Sails and structural reinforcement for a demanding Vendée Globe
Charlie Dalin, with Pascal Bidégorry, designed a set of sails based on observations made during the season. This set was tested and refined after the transatlantic returns, and further modifications were made during the 2024 summer refit. At the same time, the boat was strengthened. Structural improvements were made to the hull bottom, with bulkhead reinforcements and ballast adjustments.
