Fleet of Vendée Globe yachtsarians resolutely stand against the implementation of a full foiling rule.
The IMOCA class, organisers of the extraordinary Vendée Globe sailing event, have announced that asymmetric hydrofoils will be prohibited on boats participating in the 2028 edition of the race. The decision allows for the continued use of T-foils (or daggerboards with hydrofoil T-shaped appendages).
This decision follows ongoing discussions within the IMOCA community regarding the impact of different hydrofoil designs on boat dynamics and race safety. While T-foils are currently used to provide lift and reduce drag, allowing boats to "foil" partially and gain speed, asymmetric hydrofoils introduce more complex handling characteristics and risks.
The Vendée Globe, now forty years old and in its 10th edition, has a record entry of 40 boats. The success of the event is not an accident. The IMOCA class has been working diligently to maintain a balance between performance, safety, and cost management.
The IMOCA 60 boats, monohulls with evolving hydrofoil technologies designed primarily for ocean racing, have seen substantial performance increases due to the development and adoption of foils, including T-foils. However, the class aims to maintain competitive yet safer and more reliable boat designs heading into the 2028 Vendée Globe.
The class also feels a responsibility to encourage more sustainability in the build and campaigning of the boats. One of the ways they are reducing their carbon footprint is by limiting the number of sails that a team can have. Additionally, designers and builders are using panels produced using flax fibres and a green resin for some of the non-structural parts of the boat.
Teams that share moulds are also credited points to further reduce the class's carbon footprint. The new mast, much needed for a boat that has developed more power since the introduction of foils, is another step towards a more sustainable future.
The recent development of the foiling IMOCAs has been fascinating to watch. Speeds of the foiling IMOCAs are simply incredible, with alarms constantly pinging and load monitors in the red zone while sailing these boats. Despite the challenges, there are no reports of disgruntled teams and owners leaving the class due to these sustainability efforts.
The decision to prohibit asymmetric hydrofoils was largely based on cost considerations. A full facelift for an IMOCA 60 could cost up to €2-3 million. The class aims to make the sport more accessible to a wider range of teams while maintaining the thrilling competition that the Vendée Globe is known for.
The Vendée Globe continues to be an extraordinary event, with the latest edition oversubscribed and thousands of fans camping out to see a group of boats pass by. The IMOCA class is committed to maintaining the event's excitement while also focusing on sustainability and safety.
[1] For the latest official IMOCA class statement confirming this decision, please refer to the IMOCA class's official website.
- Despite the advancements in hydrofoil technologies, the IMOCA class has chosen to prohibit asymmetric hydrofoils in the 2028 Vendée Globe, as they pose complex handling characteristics and risks, and are more costly.
- The IMOCA class continues to prioritize sustainability in their efforts, limiting the number of sails, using eco-friendly materials, encouraging shared moulds, and even implementing a more sustainable mast design, all while maintaining the excitement and competitive nature of the Vendée Globe event.
