Origins of the IMOCA 6018th Jul 2011

The IMOCA 60 was born in 1986 during the second edition of the BOC Challenge, when the majority of monohulls shared the size of 60ft. The boats are long and wide at the waterline making them particularly suitable for strong downwind sailing in the Southern Ocean. In 1998 canting keels were introduced to the class to help increase the righting moment, and the boats now routinely come with advanced technology systems for weather routing and communication while at sea.

Artemis Ocean Racing © Lloyd Images

Over the last 30 years the boats have evolved with the changes in technology and design, although always staying within the certain design restrictions required to stay in the class.  Today's IMOCA 60 is a carbon fibre racing machine designed for speed and does not offer the sailors much comfort. Onboard only core kit is kept down below to reduce the weight of the boat,  even the toilet has been removed! There is a bunk for sailors to sleep when they have the opportunity, although many sailors often opt to sleep on the sails as the bunks are not known for being particularly comfortable.

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