IMOCA and New Boats

With the 2022–2023 edition, The Ocean Race underwent perhaps the biggest technical paradigm shift since the transition from Open 70 yachts to VO65 boats: instead of eight sailors on identical one-design boats, four professionals now race on IMOCA 60 monohulls originally designed for solo Vendée Globe racing. This step connects the world's most spectacular crew offshore regatta with the most innovative solo class and makes IMOCA and new boats a central topic for anyone who wants to understand or follow The Ocean Race professionally.

What Is the IMOCA Class?

IMOCA stands for International Monohull Open Class Association. The class governs 60-foot solo monohulls (approx. 18.28 metres in length) designed for non-stop solo circumnavigations. Unlike classic one-design regattas such as the former VO65 era, IMOCA follows open-class rules: each boat must meet certain limits (length, beam, mast height, keel type), but within these parameters design freedom is permitted.

The IMOCA class is home to the Vendée Globe and numerous transatlantic races. Those who want to trace the career path from Figaro to IMOCA will find the typical progression in offshore sailing under Figaro and IMOCA Solo.

Key Data of the IMOCA 60

1. Length overall: approx. 18.28 m (60 feet)
2. Beam: up to approx. 5.85 m
3. Mast height: up to approx. 29 m
4. Displacement: typically 7.5–8.5 tonnes (depending on generation and equipment)
5. Sail area upwind: up to approx. 600 m² with Code Zero and headsail
6. Propulsion concept: pure sail power – no engine as propulsion during the race

The Switch from VO65 to IMOCA 60

Until 2018, Volvo Ocean 65 (VO65) dominated The Ocean Race: eight identical one-design yachts, up to eight crew members, grinder positions and a clearly defined material pool. From 2022–2023, the race switched to the IMOCA 60 – not as a one-design, but as a development class with different boat concepts per team.

Reasons for this change:

• Pressure to innovate: IMOCA boats are the fastest solo monohulls in the world; foils, autopilots and composite technology are tested there first.
• Cost efficiency: Teams can adapt existing IMOCA yachts for The Ocean Race and continue using them afterwards in the Vendée Globe.
• Media relevance: The connection to the solo sailing world attracts a new audience and strengthens the "extreme sailing" storyline.
• Sustainability: Fewer crew (four instead of eight), smaller boats, shared material pool across multiple events.

Technical Innovations: Foils, Autopilots, Materials

Modern IMOCA boats of the foil generation (since approx. 2016–2018) differ fundamentally from earlier boats without lifting surfaces. The cant keel – a laterally pivoting keel – carries foils at its ends that partially lift the boat out of the water, thus reducing hull resistance.

Foils and Cant Keel

1. Cant keel: The keel can be canted by up to approx. 40 degrees to bring foils optimally into the water.
2. Lifting foils: Reduce lift on the hull; at 15–20 knots of wind and the right course, boats can sail significantly faster than earlier generations.
3. Handling: Foils require precise trim and careful manoeuvring – mistakes can lead to capsize, as shown repeatedly in training and solo races.

More on foil geometry and setup under Foils and Hydrofoils.

Autopilots and Electronics

IMOCA boats use high-performance autopilots that replace the helmsman in solo sailing. With four crew members at The Ocean Race, they relieve the watch system but remain a critical weak point: autopilot failure means manual steering at high speed – extremely demanding physically.

Important systems on board:

• Routing software with GRIB weather data and polars
• AIS and radar for collision avoidance
• Satellite communication for weather updates and media transmissions
• Battery and energy management for instruments, pumps and communication

Hull and Rigging

IMOCA hulls are made of carbon prepreg laminates – extremely stiff and light, but vulnerable in collisions with floating objects or ice. The rigging uses carbon masts and PBO or carbon shrouds; sails come from specialist sailmakers with offshore laminates for extreme loads.

Boat Generations and Design Philosophies

At The Ocean Race 2022–2023, boats of different generations started – from older foil boats to brand-new yachts specifically optimised for crew racing.

Pre-Foil Generation

Boats without lifting surfaces, developed before approx. 2016. Slower than modern foil boats, but more robust and easier to handle. Only conditionally competitive for The Ocean Race.

Foil Generation 1 and 2

Generation 1 (approx. 2016–2020): First cant-keel foils, significant speed increase, but still high capsize rate with manoeuvring errors.

Generation 2 (from approx. 2021): Wider hulls, improved foil geometry, more stable platform at high speed. Boats such as Malizia, Holcim-PRB or Biotherm represent different yard philosophies (VPLP, Guillaume Verdier, Owen Clarke).

Adaptations for Crew Racing at The Ocean Race

IMOCA boats are built for solo sailing – narrow bunks, a single helm station, minimal comfort equipment. For The Ocean Race with four sailors, adaptations are necessary:

1. Crew bunks: Additional berths and watch rotation instead of solo rhythm.
2. Safety equipment: Extended rescue equipment for a larger crew.
3. Communication: More media equipment for live broadcasts.
4. Food and provisions: Supplies for four people over weeks.
5. In-port race mode: Boats must also be manoeuvrable in harbour basins – foils are sometimes retracted or secured.

Details on the watch system and crew structure can be found in Legs and Crew Structure.

Preparing an IMOCA Boat for The Ocean Race

Yards and Design Offices

The leading IMOCA designs come from a few specialist offices and yards:

• VPLP Design (France): Wide hulls, foil optimisation; including Gitana, Banque Populaire.
• Guillaume Verdier (France): Aerodynamically optimised decks and hulls; including Charal, Apivia.
• Owen Clarke Design (UK/Ireland): Focus on solo handling; including Malizia.
• Yards: Persico Marine, Multiplast, CDK Technologies – carbon specialists for IMOCA new builds.

A new build costs depending on specification 4 to 6 million euros and more – teams finance boats through sponsors, syndicates or long-term use across multiple events (Figaro 3 and Class 40 as entry classes, IMOCA at the top).

Challenges and Risks

The IMOCA era at The Ocean Race brings new risks:

Capsizes and Material Damage

Foil boats capsize faster than classic monohulls. In the Southern Ocean and in heavy weather, self-righting systems and trained crew responses are vital. More on Offshore Safety.

Sleep Deprivation and Physical Strain

Four sailors share all tasks that fall to one person in solo sailing – at higher average speeds and shorter leg times. The watch system becomes a matter of survival.

Technical Failures

Autopilot failure, foil damage, rigging problems – at 500+ nautical miles per day there is little time for repairs. Stopovers become a critical phase for material overhauls.

Checklist: Understanding IMOCA Boats at The Ocean Race

When following or planning around IMOCA at The Ocean Race, this orientation is worthwhile:

• Identify boat generation (Pre-Foil / Gen 1 / Gen 2)
• Know the design office and yard of the boat
• Understand foil status and cant-keel configuration
• Check crew composition and offshore experience
• Assess autopilot and electronics setup
• Lifecycle: Vendée Globe before/after The Ocean Race?
• Track stopover repairs and material upgrades
• Compare in-port race performance vs. offshore leg strength

Future: IMOCA and New Boats from 2025

The Ocean Race plans to stick with the IMOCA 60. The next boat generations are expected to:

1. Use even wider hulls for more stability when foiling.
2. Deploy improved energy systems (solar, hydrogenerators) for more autonomous electronics.
3. Test more sustainable materials in hull and rigging – in line with World Sailing's sustainability agenda.
4. Further optimise hybrid use between crew events (The Ocean Race) and solo events (Vendée Globe).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why not stay with VO65?

One-design VO65 was expensive to maintain as a fleet and offered little innovation story. IMOCA connects The Ocean Race with the solo sailing world and reduces long-term costs through multiple use.

Are all IMOCA boats at The Ocean Race equally fast?

No. Open class means design differences – foil generation, yard and skipper experience make the difference.

Can IMOCA boats start in the Vendée Globe after The Ocean Race?

Yes – that is a central concept. Boats are adapted for crew racing and then reconfigured for solo sailing afterwards.

How many foils does an IMOCA 60 have?

Typically two lifting foils on the cant keel plus possibly additional stabilisation surfaces – depending on design and regulations.

Related Topics

• The Ocean Race – Overview
• Legs and Crew Structure
• Vendée Globe
• Figaro and IMOCA Solo
• Foils and Hydrofoils

Last updated: July 4, 2026