The IMOCA season kicks off on 28 April with the start of The Transat. This transatlantic qualifier for the Vendée Globe will set sail from Lorient to New York, from where the solo sailors will set off for the ultimate race, which promises to be extremely fast and will count more than any other for the legendary round the world race: the New York Vendée - Les Sables d'Olonne. A rich and intense start to the season for the teams and their skippers, who can't wait to get out on the water, as Sam Davies, skipper of Initiatives-Cœur, who launched her boat on 13 March, can attest: "2024 is shaping up to be a huge year. I'm in good shape and can't wait to get back out on the water. In the New York Vendée, we'll be sailing downwind, pushed along by the North Atlantic lows. You couldn't ask for better training for the Southern Ocean." Finally, the finish in Les Sables d'Olonne, home of the Vendée Globe, will also be a general rehearsal for the round the world race, which the British sailor will be taking part in for the 4th time.
90° test for all
Usually reserved for the first launches or after major modifications to a boat, the righting test, commonly known as the "90° test", has been extended to the whole fleet this year. The 90° test involves laying the IMOCA boat horizontally to measure its ability to right itself. Yoann Richomme, skipper of Paprec Arkea, explains: "As the year is particularly intense, it's important to carry out this operation to measure the boat's stability and ensure that she can right herself in any situation. With the structural reinforcements and ergonomic improvements we've made, it's changed certain aspects compared to the first test we carried out when we launched the boat." The stakes are high this early season, and the teams and sailors are well aware of this...
