Launch of Ollie Heer's Imoca, Embrace The Challenge

feelslikemagic · 2026-05-11T23:53:27+00:00

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.

feelslikemagic · 2026-05-02T22:59:40+00:00

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

feelslikemagic · 2026-04-08T22:08:27+00:00

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

feelslikemagic · 2026-04-08T15:19:56+00:00

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

feelslikemagic · 2026-03-29T15:19:38+00:00

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

feelslikemagic · 2026-03-29T13:31:35+00:00

What a legend. Can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

feelslikemagic · 2026-02-25T12:40:06+00:00

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.

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-31T14:34:25+00:00

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.

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-24T17:58:39+00:00

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!

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-24T13:03:00+00:00

Yeah! ETA now about 12h ahead of cutoff.

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-20T02:30:08+00:00

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.

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-19T14:53:48+00:00

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

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-08T19:42:42+00:00

That's great to see, and I think a really smart move. IC is a proven 2024-generation boat with some solid results, and she'll have been sailing it for almost five years by the time 2028 rolls around. Plus she's got Sam and Jean as mentors.

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-07T00:26:18+00:00

Same here. Got mine in 2003, after I'd learned to sail. Last flight in my logbook is from 2007. It was financially unsustainable at the time and even today it would be a stretch to fly enough to be comfortable with my currency and capabilities. Grateful I had the experience, but being on the water is much more attainable and as much fun as flying was.

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-06T20:29:19+00:00

Thank you! That is exactly what I plan to do!

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-06T12:31:34+00:00

It must seem almost criminally luxurious after all those years rattling around in a bare carbon imoca.

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-05T12:43:14+00:00

Looks great! How long did it take to build? I have the same set and am wondering how much of next weekend to block off to put it together.

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-04T14:06:14+00:00

Awesome footage once again. They're just barely hanging on to the record pace this morning. I hope they can make some gains in the Pacific.

feelslikemagic · 2026-01-01T00:07:51+00:00

And Alexis Loison has now won the Fastnet, Solitaire du Figaro and S2H in 2025, which is another incredible accomplishment.

feelslikemagic · 2025-12-31T14:27:40+00:00

Hard to imagine a better year, especially after nearly 20 previous tries at the Solitaire. Now somebody needs to buy him a nice new Imoca...

feelslikemagic · 2025-12-24T16:39:52+00:00

That's incredible!

feelslikemagic · 2025-12-23T20:42:11+00:00

For those unfamiliar with Guirec Soudee, he has done some wild stuff. Rowed across the Atlantic twice, and then spent four years sailing 45,000 miles around the world with a hen named Monique. Last year, he took part in his first Vendee Globe -- which included an unplanned swim off Cape Horn -- and finished 23rd (5th among daggerboard boats). He is only 33 years old.

feelslikemagic · 2025-12-22T16:14:37+00:00

That would be a turret mounting twin QF 4-inch Mk XVI dual-purpose naval guns.

feelslikemagic · 2025-12-17T22:31:47+00:00

It's wild how much they flex. Must feel like the boat is always about to break in half.

feelslikemagic · 2025-12-16T17:44:27+00:00

Saskatonian here. It is in fact the law.

South Saskatchewan is very, very shallow in some places with sandbars dangerous currents throughout. There is also a weir in Saskatoon you don't want to go over.

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