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IMOCA

Keel and masts standardised in the new IMOCA rules

samedi 21 décembre 2013Christophe Guigueno

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"IMOCA Imoca #IMOCA is moving forward, respecting its history, and preparing for its future." The class of monohulls entering the Vendée Globe and Barcelona World race Barcelona World Race #barcelonaworldrace a published the changes skippers and yacht designers were working for a long months. the main conclusion is that "the keel and the masts are standardised". a decision taken in the way to limit the budget and for security reasons.

IMOCA Imoca #IMOCA ratifies the new rules that apply to the new boats

On 17 December IMOCA Imoca #IMOCA validated the following decisions :

For greater reliability and better cost control :

  • the keel and the masts are standardised,
  • limited use of ‘exotic’ materials.

For greater simplicity :

  • the 10° criteria (maximum heeling angle in class measurement configuration, in a static condition) has been removed, thus making possible ballast tanks more viable ;
  • ballast tanks are limited to 4 in total (compared with 8 or more previously), two on each side in any position. The volumes are reduced and the boats are lighter with the equivalent power.

To contribute to the uniformity of the fleet :

  • The Righting Moment (or RM) is amended to 25.5 tonne-metres at 25° heeling angle ;
  • Ultimately the power to weight ratio between the existing boats and the new craft should remain more or less the same ;
  • The maximum weight of the keel bulb is set at 3,100kg to limit the weight gain in the new boats and stay in harmony with the existing boats ;
  • The AVSwc* is set at 110°, which equates to its previous value ; of note is the fact that the IMOCA 60s haven’t capsized since this value has been adhered to. This 110° becomes an important value, which will limit the volume of the ballast tanks controlled in other respects by the limitation of power.

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