Radical, differentiating architectural choices
Following the success of Charal I, Jérémie Beyou and his team - including Franck Cammas and Bertrand Pacé - collaborated with architect Sam Manuard to design Charal II. This new IMOCA yacht features a narrower hull than its predecessors - the narrowest in the IMOCA fleet - with a rounded scow-type bow, for greater stability and reduced risk of foundering. The center of gravity has been moved back, optimizing weight distribution for enhanced performance. The V-shaped foils, deeper than those of Charal I, offer improved lift, favoring high speeds even in difficult sea conditions.
One of the key features of this IMOCA's design is the unique choice of rudders, in an inverted "V" position and very deep (3.20 m). These rudders help stabilize the flight, while reducing the angle of heel to ensure maximum efficiency.
A seaworthier IMOCA for ocean racing
The construction of Charal II mobilized a team of some fifteen engineers and over a hundred specialists, totalling some 35,000 hours of design and 40,000 hours of construction. The almost flush-deck deck and minimalist deckhouse were designed to optimize aerodynamics. Also of note is the protection under the boom, which licks the deckhouse to reduce mainsail drag. The pronounced step also contributes to the boat's overall performance. These technical choices are designed to offer a seaworthier, faster and more agile IMOCA, meeting the demands of ocean racing. On the other hand, the boat remains very minimalist in terms of skipper comfort. In the very small cockpit, the sailor has no seat for keeping watch...
Vendée Globe 2024 evolves and is finalized
Since her launch in July 2022, Charal II has taken part in several major races, enabling the team to validate technical choices and make ongoing improvements. Feedback has led to adjustments to the foils and rigging, as well as optimizations to the onboard electronics. These developments are designed to maximize Charal II's reliability and performance in preparation for the Vendée Globe 2024.
During the 2023 winter refit, the IMOCA yacht underwent a major overhaul to optimize the boat's mass and overall balance, and to save weight, particularly in the bulb and ballast tanks. Aerodynamics, ergonomics and comfort were also optimized.
Notable results in pre-world tour races
Charal II quickly demonstrated its competitive potential. In his first solo transatlantic race, Jérémie Beyou took third place in the Route du Rhum 2022, becoming the first new-generation IMOCA to cross the finish line. This performance was followed by a fourth place in the Transat Jacques Vabre 2023 and a second place in the Retour à La Base the same year. These results testify to Charal II's competitiveness and the rigorous preparation of its skipper and his team.
