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An IMOCA without a logo or a sponsor is a rare sight?both beautiful and unsettling. A few days after its launch, Thomas Ruyant?s new IMOCA completed its first runs off the coast of Lorient. These initial test runs are not yet aimed at achieving top speed. Above all, they serve to validate the onboard systems, assess the boat?s performance, and begin the lengthy fine-tuning process that will accompany the skipper leading up to his first races.
This new IMOCA is the result of a collaboration between the AKO design firm led by Antoine Koch, the TR Racing design office, GSea, Finot Conq, and the CDK Technologies shipyard. The project was also developed in parallel with the boats of Boris Herrmann and Loïs Berrehar, which were built on the same platform.
The skipper, one of the best of his generation, is still seeking funding to compete in the Route du Rhum.
A project built on experience
The team did not set out to start from scratch. Thomas Ruyant's previous IMOCA served as a starting point for identifying areas where improvements could be made.
"The starting point was Thomas's old sailboat. It had a good reputation on certain courses, but we identified a few situations where it wasn't as fast on the water. So we set out to design a new, more versatile IMOCA, particularly when getting underway and sailing upwind," explains Antoine Koch.
This focus on versatility also reflects the evolution of TR Racing?s racing program. The boat must remain competitive in the solo category of the Vendée Globe, as well as in the double-handed category of the Transat Café L'Or and in the crewed category of The Ocean Race.
A cockpit designed with the sailor in mind
Ergonomics is one of the project's key focuses. Significant effort has been devoted to the helm stations, the cockpit layout, and movement on board in order to reduce crew fatigue.
"We wanted to put people at the heart of the design. The interior layouts are modular, and we sought to make life on board easier," Antoine Koch points out.
The selection of steering wheels illustrates this approach.
"We wanted to install helm stations facing the direction of the boat's travel. It feels more natural, but above all, it's more comfortable and more efficient for the helmsman. We also worked on creating a seamless transition between the interior and the cockpit so that Thomas would have to move around less and get less tired."
Appendages optimized for flight
The changes also affect the appendages. The rudders, which are larger and have been repositioned, now play a greater role in controlling the boat when it is sailing on its foils.
"We've been working on how to use the rudders to stay airborne with less drag. The windward rudder will remain in the water, which will provide real stability and greater flight efficiency thanks to the foils," the architect explains.
The hull also features a new design with a double chine, intended to broaden the boat's range of use.
"The double-decked bilges allow us to have a relatively slender hull when sailing downwind while providing a reserve of power when sailing upwind and on a reach. The boat will dig into the waves less, and there will be less water on deck," explains Antoine Koch.
The First Miles Before the First Races
While the boat's design is now finalized, there is still much to learn on the water. The coming months will be devoted to collecting data and fine-tuning the settings.
Thomas Ruyant sums up this new phase: " "We are now entering a phase of fine-tuning, finishing touches, and testing before we really put the boat through its paces and get it up to speed. We can't wait to make our first runs. We'll soon see what this IMOCA is capable of."
The schedule has already been announced. The new foiler is set to make its competitive debut at the 2026 Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe, followed by a program that includes The Ocean Race 2027, the 2027 Transat Café L'Or, and the 2028 Vendée Globe. Between these events, the numerous test days will be crucial for unlocking the full potential of a boat designed to support TR Racing over several seasons.
