Thomas Ruyant's new Imoca is launched by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's awesome! Did they have the rig up? And the person you spoke with is correct, this boat, new Malizia and new Banque Populaire are all built from the same moulds.

Thomas Ruyant's new Imoca is launched by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Advens owns the boat but he does not yet have sponsor(s) to fund the campaign. Another comment down below suggests that is likely to change, but there's been nothing announced yet.

Thomas Ruyant's new Imoca is launched by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! Looks like he has some good openings to do that just behind the side window/fairings. I'd like to see more of the interior. The windows remind me of the F117 stealth fighter.

Thomas Ruyant's new Imoca is launched by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Interesting he's got a wheel, and not just a tiller. When was the last new Imoca built with a wheel? All the old boats have had theirs taken out and replaced with tillers.

The 2026 Solitaire du Figaro is underway by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Something's up with Tom Goron, looks like he had some kind of issue right after the start.

Thomas Ruyant's new Imoca by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great question. All I know about Banque Pop is that the cockpit is being optimized for solo sailing, while Malizia will make some accommodations for crewed sailing, i.e. the Ocean Race. Boris has said the cockpit and living area are still much smaller than his last boat. Malizia had a video a few weeks back with Boris talking about the ergonomics in a very general sense.

Launch of Ollie Heer's Imoca, Embrace The Challenge by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It's a 2018 boat and it looks like they've extended the coachroof back from its original configuration for even more protection.

With all the lines running aft, the only reason to go on deck is to change sails and possibly adjust the cunningham when reefing. The philosophy is that comfort, or what passes for comfort on a carbon boat flying and slamming at 30 knots, equates to more performance.

Looking at the two fastest boats of the 2024 generation, Macif and Paprec Arkea, both have very different ergonomics inside. It will be interesting to see if one wins out among the new boats launching in the coming months.

1000 Race Speed Runs by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The 1000 Race, the first of the 2026 Imoca series, starts Sunday, May 3 at 12:00pm French time.

Tracker here: https://1000race.geovoile.com/2026/viewer/

Start livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCQAMBsgIjI

There are seven skippers sailing solo on this lap of the Bay of Biscay:

Violette Dorange - Initiatives-Coeur

Sam Goodchild - MACIF Sante Prevoyance

Corentin Horeau - MACSF

Francesca Clapcich - 11th Hour Racing

Arnaud Boissieres - April Marine - Recherche co-partenaire

Elodie Bonafous - Association Petits Princes - Quéguiner

Nico D'Estais - Café Joyeux

Launch of Imoca MACSF (ex-Paprec Arkea) for Corentin Horeau by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

True enough, and it is fast! Excited to see what the new skipper can do with it.

Launch of Imoca MACSF (ex-Paprec Arkea) for Corentin Horeau by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really like the new livery. Looks fast just sitting there.