PRB, the first-born of the latest IMOCA generation
Kevin Escoffier and the PRB team launched the first IMOCA of the latest generation in May 2022. This Verdier design, originally designed for The Ocean Race, crewed round the world race, was already under construction at the Persico Marine shipyard when it was chosen by the skipper. A choice made to save time. Transformed for solo sailing, the new PRB is a versatile boat and has a large bow, a new trend on the IMOCA circuit.
Kevin Excoffier explains: " Unlike the old generation IMOCA boats, which have a pointed shape, the architectural approach today is to add volume to the bow. This is what we did on PRB with a wider and more powerful bow to avoid the boat getting into the waves. The objective was to have the most stable monohull possible, which will be able to easily reach average speeds, we did not design it with high speeds in mind."
V and B âeuros Monbana âeuros Mayenne, the sistership of Apivia
After a year of construction, Maxime Sorel launched his new IMOCA on June 27, 2022. Built at Multiplast in Vannes and at MerConcept, it is a Guillaume Verdier design. She has the same hull as Apivia 1, designed for Charlie Dalin and taken over by Clarisse Crémer after the 2022 Route du Rhum, but with a modified bow and more spatula to better pass the sea, especially in the Deep South.
The long awaited Charal 2
Unveiled on July 4, 2022, Charal 2 is a Manuard design with a narrow hull, the narrowest of all existing IMOCAs, but with a scow-shaped bow to conserve power. The center of gravity and weight distribution have been optimized and moved back as far as possible for the same purpose. The V-shaped foils are less imposing than on Charal 1, bought by the Swiss Justine Mettraux and Teamwork, and the very long and close rudders, centered on the back, have been designed to make the boat as fast as possible. The aerodynamic design has been extensively worked on to favor the flow of water: flat deck surface, minimalist roof, pronounced redan.
Jérémie Beyou explains: " Charal 2 must be easier to handle, whatever the pace and the sea state. The idea is to be able to quickly get 100% of her potential and especially to hold high averages over time."
Malizia âeuros Seaexplorer, the IMOCA for the round the world crewed race
Launched on July 19, 2022, Boris Herrmann's new IMOCA is a VPLP design with a rounded, cutaway bow. She was designed for The Ocean Race and the Vendée Globe, and is therefore designed for five people. The living space is therefore more substantial.
Initiatives-C?ur, the sistership of L'Occitane en Provence
Sam Davies and the entire Initiatives-C?ur team launched their new round-nosed IMOCA on Saturday 30 July. This Manuard design was created from the moulds of Armel Tripon's former IMOCA, which has now become Bureau Vallée 3. With a scow bow and a spatula shape to avoid burying, it follows the trend of the latest generation of boats. The position of the mast has been modified, as have the keel and foils.
