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With just a few weeks to go before its scheduled launch in August in Southampton, Sébastien Simon?s future IMOCA is revealing its key features. More than just a new foiler, this is a major evolution. Its designer, Guillaume Verdier, is drawing on several years of research to adapt solutions developed for the America?s Cup AC75s to the Vendée Globe.
A hull designed to minimize drag
The main change concerns the shape of the hull. The new IMOCA features a "bustle," an elongated central section located beneath the hull.
This solution, already used on the America's Cup flying monohulls, is designed to reduce the wetted surface area when the boat is supported by its foils. Less of the hull remains in contact with the water, which reduces drag.
Unlike previous generations of IMOCA boats, which were designed to sail with a significant list, this boat was designed to operate with a list of between 0 and 12 degrees. The goal is to maintain a more horizontal trim while improving longitudinal stability as the boat accelerates.
According to Guillaume Verdier, this design maintains good performance while offering more consistent handling in rough seas.
Comfort is also becoming a factor in performance
Speed is no longer the sole focus of development for the latest generation of IMOCAs. Designers are also working to ensure the skipper?s well-being during weeks-long solo voyages.
The new hull design contributes to this goal by limiting the boat's movement. On board, several pieces of equipment have also been developed to suit Sébastien Simon's sailing habits.
The helm seats were custom-made so that he could steer, monitor the boat's performance, plan his weather strategy, or rest in a more ergonomic position.
This quest for comfort reflects a reality of the Vendée Globe. A less-fatigued skipper remains more alert and is better able to harness his boat?s potential during the nearly three-month race.
Controls Inspired by Aeronautics
The cockpit also features a control that is unusual in the world of IMOCA yachts. The traditional steering system is supplemented by a sidestick, similar to the side control used in many modern commercial airliners.
This system electrically controls the boat's course and features adjustable force feedback. This technology is designed to improve steering precision while reducing the physical strain on the sailor during long periods at the helm.
This development is part of a broader trend in offshore racing, where ergonomics is becoming a performance factor on par with aerodynamics and hydrodynamics.
A New Chapter for Sébastien Simon
After finishing third in the 2024?2025 Vendée Globe despite losing a foil in the Indian Ocean, Sébastien Simon is embarking on a new competitive cycle with this boat, which was designed entirely around his program.
Built by Carrington Boats and designed by Guillaume Verdier, the IMOCA will be launched in August 2026 before heading to Les Sables d'Olonne. Its christening is scheduled for September 3, 2026.
The racing schedule will then begin with the 2026 Route du Rhum before moving on to the project?s main goal, the 2028 Vendée Globe.
