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As the IMOCA fleet continues its quest for speed, designers are exploring new ways to improve performance without breaking the rules. The new DMG Mori, currently in the finishing stages at the shipyard, is a perfect illustration of this trend. During a technical tour of the boat, Stan Delbar, the project's boat captain, detailed several design choices that set this new IMOCA apart from its rivals. With its redesigned hull, new-generation foils and completely rethought ergonomics, the Japanese monohull is not lacking in singularities.
A bustle hull to bring IMOCA closer to permanent flight
The first thing that immediately catches the eye is the hull shape. The new IMOCA designed by Guillaume Verdier features a large bustle, a longitudinal protrusion visible under the hull and largely inspired by research carried out on the latest generations of flying sailboats.
According to Stan Delbar, this architecture brings the concept closer to a "monomaran", a formula that seeks to draw certain benefits from multihulls while respecting the IMOCA rules.
In concrete terms, this second hull, integrated under the main hull, is designed to help the boat take off at low wind speeds. The aim is to maintain relatively low flight while rapidly increasing speed.
This approach differs from previous generations of IMOCA boats, which were more focused on reducing pure drag or increasing aerodynamic power.
A keel system adapted to this new architecture
The adoption of this bustle has several structural consequences. In particular, the keel well must incorporate a large fairing to preserve the hydrodynamic continuity of the whole. To accompany the movements of the canting keel, the teams developed a special system to keep the hull as clean as possible when the keel pivots.
This evolution illustrates one of the major challenges of the new generation of IMOCA boats: integrating increasingly complex shapes while limiting hydrodynamic disturbances.
As a result, the boat's interior volume is significantly greater than that of its predecessor.
Ballasts powered by low-energy scoops
Special attention was also paid to ballast filling. The boat has four ballast volumes distributed between the bow, sides and stern. These are supplied by scoops positioned in the lower sections of the hull.
This layout is designed to optimize water transfer while limiting energy losses.
Ballasting remains an essential element in the performance of modern IMOCA boats. By displacing several hundred liters of water according to the conditions encountered, the skipper modifies the boat's trim and balance to make the most of the foils' power.
A forward cockpit to bring the skipper closer to the nerve center
Another striking development is the cockpit. Cockpits are gradually moving backwards in the history of IMOCA boats. On DMG Mori, they are moving forward.
The workstation is now located just aft of the mast, well forward in the boat. This arrangement brings the skipper closer to the center of gravity and the main control systems.
This organization profoundly changes life on board. The maneuvering area becomes an integrated space where piloting, sail control and onboard systems management are concentrated. On the other hand, this part of the boat becomes a wet zone that needs to be efficiently drained after each loading of water.
Foils designed to fly lower and absorb shocks
The new foils are one of the most closely watched aspects of the project. Made almost entirely of composite, they adopt a geometry designed to stabilize flight at low height above the water.
The control system allows you to act simultaneously on several parameters to adjust the foil's power output and dynamic behavior.
Engineers have also incorporated shock-absorbing elements in the form of elastomers to absorb some of the forces generated by impacts with the sea.
In addition, the adjustment cylinder has a pre-set maximum pressure. If this limit is reached, the system automatically releases part of the stress to reduce the load applied to the foil.
This protection logic becomes essential on boats capable of reaching high speeds for several days at a time.
Ergonomics designed for long crossings
With just a few weeks to go before the launch, the teams are now working mainly on interior fittings, on-board electronics and helm stations.
Ergonomics play a central role in the development of modern IMOCA boats. Performance no longer depends solely on the boat's potential speed, but also on the skipper's ability to maintain a high level of commitment over several weeks.
Material storage illustrates this evolution. The traditional lateral stowage of equipment is disappearing, in favor of longitudinal load management. Sail bags and equipment are now moved fore and aft to have a finer influence on the boat's trim and center of gravity.
Japanese identity in every detail
DMG Mori is also proud of its Japanese roots. Several decorative elements inspired by Japanese culture have been integrated on board. The decoration of the foils and hull evokes the world of katanas, in keeping with the identity of the title partner.
Beyond the visual aspect, this cultural dimension accompanies a project that aims to blend cutting-edge technologies with Japanese maritime traditions.
With just a few days to go before her launch, the new IMOCA DMG Mori appears to be one of the most closely watched projects of this generation. Her bustle architecture, foils designed to stabilize flight and advanced cockpit bear witness to a constant quest for balance between power, control and ease of operation. The first sea trials will now enable us to check whether the promise of Guillaume Verdier's design translates into real gains on the water.
