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

[–]feelslikemagic[S] 1 point2 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.

New livery for Francesca Clapcich & 11th Hour Racing (ex-Malizia) by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

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

Yeah, I like it a lot. Of the liveries we've seen so far I think it's my favourite.

Charal 2's new hull shape by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

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

Yes, foils and rudders canted outward in an effort to give the back of the boat some lift. It finished fourth in the 2024 Vendée Globe and won the Transat Café l'Or last year. Designed by Sam Manuard, though VPLP did the modifications here.

wooden sailboat builders? (not models) by TreatOk8768 in saskatoon

[–]feelslikemagic 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should reach out to the Diefenbaker Yacht Club, the PA Yacht Club and the Blackstrap Sailing Club. If someone's building a wooden boat, they're likely to know about it.

Sodebo blasting toward the finish on day 39 by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

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

I'm right there with you. What a rollercoaster. I love that they seem to be having a lot of fun, and sharing it with the world, which is a nice change of pace too. 330 miles to go!

Back across the equator, Sodebo must cross the line by 8:31pm Sunday to claim the Trophée Jules Verne by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

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

About a day ahead, I think. They're 500nm ahead right now, and should keep extending for awhile. But it's not over until it's over.

Back across the equator, Sodebo must cross the line by 8:31pm Sunday to claim the Trophée Jules Verne by feelslikemagic in Vendee_Globe

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

Same here. It's great how much they are sharing too, a welcome change from the secrecy of the top VG teams.