A first-generation foiler
This IMOCA was designed by the VPLP-Guillaume Verdier duo to enable Jean-Pierre Dick to take part in his fourth Vendée Globe in 2016. A partnership was then set up with the Gitana Design Team, with the aim of sharing certain skills for the design of Gitana 16, destined for Sébastien Josse.
Launched in 2015, this IMOCA is one of the first to be designed to sail with foils. She features a voluminous bow and very flat lines, aimed at increasing her power. The aim is to optimize performance in light winds and in transition zones, to limit sail change maneuvers. The cockpit is flat and uncluttered, allowing sails to be stored to lower and move back the center of gravity.
An impressive track record
Shortly after its launch, the boat takes the start of the Transat Jacques Vabre 2015, with Jean-Pierre Dick and Fabien Delahaye as co-skippers. However, the failure of several stringers on the bow section forced them to divert to Madeira and abandon the race. Jean-Pierre then continued his solo training in Portugal, then took part in The Transat, where he finished in 3? place, as well as the New York-Vendée-Les Sables-d'Olonne, where he placed 10? after colliding with an unidentified floating object (UFO), necessitating a technical stopover in Newport.
A highly sought-after IMOCA
In 2019, this IMOCA, coveted by several skippers, was finally acquired by Giancarlo Pedote. With Anthony Marchand, he then took part in the last edition of the Transat Jacques Vabre, but finished in 17th place due to an unfavorable weather option.
For 2020, Giancarlo's goal was to complete his first Vendée Globe. A major reinforcement project was carried out following a Transat Jacques Vabre 2019 marked by damage. Giancarlo completed a fine loop, finishing in 8th place e place, crossing the line shortly after Yannick Bestaven.
A major project for the 2 e Vendée Globe pairing
Wanting to stay in the game against a pack of state-of-the-art foilers, Giancarlo has modified his IMOCA to improve performance, while remaining cautious. New foils have been grafted on to provide more stable flight. A new bow has been stratified to improve sea passage, while making life on board more comfortable. After a very difficult Transat CIC due to pilot problems, Giancarlo will be taking the start of his 2 e Vendée Globe aboard an IMOCA boat he knows perfectly well.
- Length 18.28 m
- Width 5.80 m
- Draft 4.50 m
- Weight 8 tons
- Mast height 29 m
- Max. sail area
- Nearly 300 m2
- Carrying 600 m2
