Matagi 895 Posted February 13 Share Posted February 13 Yes, we are starting this now For the time being, let's keep track of available boats and with which programme they might end up with, who we think is likely to enter in 2024 (if we make it this far...) and who the lucky sponsor is. Let the rumor games ... a begin!!! Here's what we know of the boats Boat available (2020 name) Port Year Foil Designer Asking (*= rumored) Comment Seaexplorer Monaco 2015 Yes VPLP € 2.5 m suffered damage Groupe Apicil France 2008 No Finot-Conq € 1 m* refit 2018 Campagne de France France 2006 No Owen-Clarke € 0.49 m Completed VG 2020 Omia France 2007 No Farr € 0.75 m Completed VG 2020 TSE 4 My Planet France 1998 No Lombard unknown Completed VG 2020 Eyesea France 2014 No Nandor Fa € 0.8 m Last New-Built w/o foils One Planet France 1999 No Owen-Clarke € 0.3 m V and B France 2007 Yes VPLP € 1 m* Hugo Boss UK 2018 Yes VPLP unknown suffered structural damage La Fabrique France 2007 Yes Finot-Conq unknown Merci NZ 2005 No Lavranos unknown suffered damage And of the skippers: Skipper Nationality Boat (*=rumored) Designer (*=rumored) Sponsor (*=rumored) Probability Hare, Pip UK Probably used 2016 gen Unknown Medallia* 70% Herrmann, Boris GER New* Unknown TBA 80% Bestaven, Yannick FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 80% Sorel, Maxime FRA Occitane en Provence* Unknown TBA 80% 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
yl75 1,102 Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 Jérémie is rumored to launch a new Sam Manuard design for 2024 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matagi 895 Posted February 14 Author Share Posted February 14 That would be interesting. Charal would surely be one of the boats you would want to have, if you're in the market for a 2nd hand boat. Sam Manuard will be a very interesting designer to watch, will keep VPLP and FC on their heels. I would love to see someone ordering a Thomas Tison project, I think he is on a very interesting path with his latest Mini. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Varan 1,988 Posted February 14 Share Posted February 14 I sure would like to see a collaboration between Sam Manuard and Guillaume Verdier. If they could work together, my guess is the result would be note worthy. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stief 4,225 Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 From twitter: "A press conference by @LouisBurtonOff and Bureau Vallée will take place tomorrow at noon. The program for the next few years will be revealed, as well as "two important pieces of information" (a boat?)" https://twitter.com/CapVG20/status/1361221506194411523?s=20 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bebmoumoute 1,112 Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 The young Violette Dorange has launched her campaign and is looking for partners : https://fb.watch/3GIKxANkVc/ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bebmoumoute 1,112 Posted February 15 Share Posted February 15 Louis Duc, Class40 skipper from Normandy, has bought the old PRB (the one Vincent Riou rescued Le Cam with back in 2008) for the 2024 race. https://www.letelegramme.fr/voile/vendee-globe/louis-duc-se-lance-vers-le-vendee-globe-2024-12-11-2020-12655429.php?share_auth=d1fde84947d28cc105aea4a23a48a808&fbclid=IwAR3eVjznMr9GoFKRmji4Iz8pSQxUPWQ8rt4avlB_VHkwjm8Z-TPdZhHCxTI https://www.histoiredeshalfs.com/Histoire des 60'/E41.htm Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bebmoumoute 1,112 Posted February 16 Share Posted February 16 Louis Burton has bought L'Occitanne https://twitter.com/CapVG20/status/1361638628208889857?s=20 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bebmoumoute 1,112 Posted February 16 Share Posted February 16 More details here: https://www.letelegramme.fr/voile/louis-burton-confirme-le-rachat-de-l-imoca-d-armel-tripon-16-02-2021-12705295.php Quote Link to post Share on other sites
M26 77 Posted February 16 Share Posted February 16 Phill Sharp? 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matagi 895 Posted February 16 Author Share Posted February 16 Skipper Nationality Boat Design Sponsor Start 2024 likely? Hare, Pip UK Probably used 2016 gen Unknown Medallia* 70% Herrmann, Boris GER New* Unknown TBA 80% Bestaven, Yannick FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 80% Sorel, Maxime FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 50% Louis Burton FRA Ex-L'Occitane en Provence Sam Manuard Bureau Vallée 99% Louis Duc FRA Ex-Maitre Coq, PRB (2006) Farr TBA 80% Violette Dorange FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 40% 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Snowden 358 Posted February 16 Share Posted February 16 I can't see Maxime's V&B going around again. It suffered damage this year despite an extensive refit and has caused trouble for other skippers in the past. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matagi 895 Posted February 16 Author Share Posted February 16 I'm pretty sure it will remain on the circus, it will be a matter of price. If someone is intrigued enough by the upgrades to invest in the structure, then it will die another day. But I agree, probably one of the most worn out newer hulls around with a questionable history. It would be a good platform for someone who sails to arrive, not to compete. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
45Roller 366 Posted February 16 Share Posted February 16 3 hours ago, Matagi said: Skipper Nationality Boat Design Sponsor Start 2024 likely? Hare, Pip UK Probably used 2016 gen Unknown Medallia* 70% Herrmann, Boris GER New* Unknown TBA 80% Bestaven, Yannick FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 80% Sorel, Maxime FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 50% Louis Burton FRA Ex-L'Occitane en Provence Sam Manuard Bureau Vallée 99% Louis Duc FRA Ex-Maitre Coq, PRB (2006) Farr TBA 80% Violette Dorange FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 40% This is very cool mate, please keep it updated do you think Alex will go again? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matagi 895 Posted February 16 Author Share Posted February 16 22 minutes ago, 45Roller said: This is very cool mate, please keep it updated do you think Alex will go again? Thanks Alex, sure, 5 times the charme... Not with Hugo Boss as sponsor, in my opinion, the whole fashion industry is toast. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
45Roller 366 Posted February 16 Share Posted February 16 35 minutes ago, Matagi said: Thanks Alex, sure, 5 times the charme... Not with Hugo Boss as sponsor, in my opinion, the whole fashion industry is toast. Yeah true, possibly Ineos will sponsor him Quote Link to post Share on other sites
yl75 1,102 Posted February 16 Share Posted February 16 Ineos fracking is kind of a tough sponsor to manage regarding PR, somehow But Alex is quite good at green washing, so why not .. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matagi 895 Posted February 16 Author Share Posted February 16 49 minutes ago, yl75 said: Ineos fracking is kind of a tough sponsor to manage regarding PR, somehow But Alex is quite good at green washing, so why not .. If you manage that THE professional cycling team promotes your gas guzzling Landy impersonator, you will pull this one off, too. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
winchfodder 328 Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 15 hours ago, yl75 said: Ineos fracking is kind of a tough sponsor to manage regarding PR, somehow But Alex is quite good at green washing, so why not .. Don't mention the War! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fiji Bitter 1,590 Posted February 17 Share Posted February 17 Jim Rat Ineos will want to persevere with the America's Cup, and is unlikely to sponsor another accident prone sailor, I would think. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stief 4,225 Posted February 19 Share Posted February 19 Building "11-2" and attempting a carbon balance sheet. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matagi 895 Posted February 22 Author Share Posted February 22 Boat available (2020 name) Port Year Foil Designer Asking (*= rumored) Comment Seaexplorer Monaco 2015 Yes VPLP € 2.5 m suffered damage Groupe Apicil France 2008 No Finot-Conq € 1 m* refit 2018 Campagne de France France 2006 No Owen-Clarke € 0.49 m Completed VG 2020 Omia France 2007 No Farr € 0.75 m Completed VG 2020 TSE 4 My Planet France 1998 No Lombard unknown Completed VG 2020 Eyesea France 2014 No Nandor Fa € 0.8 m Last New-Built w/o foils One Planet France 1999 No Owen-Clarke € 0.3 m V and B France 2007 Yes VPLP € 1 m* Hugo Boss UK 2018 Yes VPLP unknown suffered structural damage La Fabrique France 2007 Yes Finot-Conq unknown Merci NZ 2005 No Lavranos unknown suffered damage Stark France 2007 No Owen-Clarke unknown last finisher 2021 Pure Best Western France 2007 No Farr unknown Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jhc 153 Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 On 2/19/2021 at 2:25 PM, stief said: Building "11-2" and attempting a carbon balance sheet. Interesting video. I've noticed VPLP, and 11th Hour have stepped up the press releases. Is there a connection to: the seeming rift in IMOCA future planning, relatively poor results of new boats in Vendee 2020, reliability issues versus budget? I sense there are two factions competing for IMOCA future. One side advocating more one design components, to increase reliability, and decrease outrageous budget requirements to remain competitive. And the other a continuation of development, and liberalizing the one design aspects, keels, and masts. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stief 4,225 Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 12 hours ago, jhc said: Interesting video. I've noticed VPLP, and 11th Hour have stepped up the press releases. Yes, 11th Hour is keeping the press fed (latest here Get to Know Wade Morgan – Build Manager ) As for the musings about the future, agree. The tension between OD and innovation is there. Never did understand the idea that OD stifles innovation, when it seems OD is just the broader implementation of successful innovation. The IMOCA Class can benefit making Innovation more open in the pre-VG races, and then go OD on the proven innovations for the Vendee Globe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jhc 153 Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 4 hours ago, stief said: Yes, 11th Hour is keeping the press fed (latest here Get to Know Wade Morgan – Build Manager ) As for the musings about the future, agree. The tension between OD and innovation is there. Never did understand the idea that OD stifles innovation, when it seems OD is just the broader implementation of successful innovation. The IMOCA Class can benefit making Innovation more open in the pre-VG races, and then go OD on the proven innovations for the Vendee Globe. I read your long, and short replies. Appreciate your candor, and reluctance to address all the issues around this. I’m reluctant to take sides, can see some merit to both. Leaning toward reliability, safety. And toward promoting a sustainable model, with greater participation. Would be best to promote the sailor’s ability over their organization’s propensity to raise, and spend money. The sustainability of IMOCA is at stake. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
huey 2 670 Posted February 23 Share Posted February 23 https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/235262/?source=email Phil Sharp announces zero emission hydrogen campaign that will culminate in the 2024 Vendée Globe by OceansLab 15 Feb 17:23 GMT Phil Sharp, Genevos Hydrogen Power Module © Gilles Delacuvellerie Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matagi 895 Posted February 28 Author Share Posted February 28 Skipper Nationality Boat Design Sponsor Start 2024 likely? Hare, Pip UK Probably used 2016 gen Unknown Medallia* 70% Herrmann, Boris GER New* Unknown TBA 80% Bestaven, Yannick FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 80% Sorel, Maxime FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 50% Louis Burton FRA Ex-L'Occitane en Provence Sam Manuard Bureau Vallée 99% Louis Duc FRA Ex-Maitre Coq, PRB (2006) Farr TBA 80% Violette Dorange FRA Unknown Unknown TBA 40% Phil Sharpe UK Unknown Unknown Zero Emission 40% Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Chasm 617 Posted February 28 Share Posted February 28 On 2/23/2021 at 8:50 PM, huey 2 said: https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/235262/?source=email Phil Sharp announces zero emission hydrogen campaign that will culminate in the 2024 Vendée Globe I hope that the class gets alternative propulsion systems sorted out for everyone. Conrad had one in 2016/17, AFAIk there is no reason not to do it again. The OceanVolt system seems also to be a lot more robust at speed than the watt&sea generators. There was quite a bit of unneccesary drama with generators damaged or even ripped off in sudden overspeed events. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
huey 2 670 Posted March 12 Share Posted March 12 https://voilesetvoiliers.ouest-france.fr/regate/coupe-de-l-america/america-s-cup-guillaume-verdier-du-vendee-globe-a-la-coupe-de-l-america-sur-tous-les-fronts-16505d9a-7daf-11eb-a530-8257a05e6295?fbclid=IwAR1qiCaNFItfaFpHwwWlFoguLm_nMNu18M5FDAl8vfvO7Fik5VM-24Agyl4 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
WGWarburton 768 Posted April 2 Share Posted April 2 Kojiro going again (from twitter, link to article on VG site: bit.ly/2PhgxDz) Maybe old news but not seen it here. Cheers, W. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
furler49 61 Posted April 16 Share Posted April 16 Romain Attanasio back in 2024 with the same sponsors. He's just purchased Boris's boat... https://actu.fr/pays-de-la-loire/les-sables-d-olonne_85194/le-compagnon-de-sam-davies-romain-attanasio-sera-au-depart-du-prochain-vendee-globe_41013700.html?fbclid=IwAR3E4afrjj-8s4vjRw3ZiVxcDRJ5K_0YQTCgOpIvvTBE4j-jg8iVmCvvBNk Pip Hare has bought the old BV2 from Louis Burton. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
furler49 61 Posted April 16 Share Posted April 16 Hadn't seen this one posted anywhere either: Antoine Cornic https://www.sudouest.fr/sport/voile/antoine-cornic-prepare-le-vendee-globe-2024-a-la-rochelle-2079698.php Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Laurent 1,801 Posted April 20 Share Posted April 20 Arnaud Boissières, aiming for a FIFTH Vendée Globe. The only man to finish four consecutive VG... He is looking for a "new to him" used boat. He is eyeing the boat of Yannick Bestaven or Louis Burton. The goal is to start early, to be competitive, and even have at some point (just before or just after the next Route du Rhum) the opportunity to make a major refit, with new foils most likely. The automatic English translation of the video below is not too bad... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sailbydate 2,981 Posted April 21 Share Posted April 21 On 2/17/2021 at 1:12 AM, Bebmoumoute said: Louis Burton has bought L'Occitanne https://twitter.com/CapVG20/status/1361638628208889857?s=20 That should prove a very fast combination. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Sailbydate 2,981 Posted April 21 Share Posted April 21 On 4/3/2021 at 2:48 AM, WGWarburton said: Kojiro going again (from twitter, link to article on VG site: bit.ly/2PhgxDz) Maybe old news but not seen it here. Cheers, W. Will he be racing this time, or still on a RTW cruise? That boat has never been pushed hard. I'm not sure, Kojiro has pushed hard either. But good on him. He must surely get quicker? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonRowe 804 Posted April 21 Share Posted April 21 He did break his mainsail very early on, only had V1 foils and had limited time on the water due to covid, I give him credit for finishing on the main sail repair alone! Maybe he can get a budget to update the foils next go? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Laurent 1,801 Posted April 21 Share Posted April 21 5 hours ago, JonRowe said: He did break his mainsail very early on, only had V1 foils and had limited time on the water due to covid, I give him credit for finishing on the main sail repair alone! Maybe he can get a budget to update the foils next go? Agreed, I know nothing of sail repair; but from all comments I have seen from people in the know, his repair, under the circumstances was simply amazing. I don't think he will ever be a win contender, or even a podium contender, but I am sure that with more time on the boat and less bad luck, he can do much better. He is from a nation that has no offshore sailing tradition, he speaks no French and as far as I know, no English. He starts with a pretty strong handicap to be competitive... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fintho 19 Posted April 22 Share Posted April 22 13 hours ago, Laurent said: He is from a nation that has no offshore sailing tradition, he speaks no French and as far as I know, no English. He starts with a pretty strong handicap to be competitive... Yet still captivated me enough to root for him, albeit not for the win. He just seems so likeable, and seems to really have fun out in the middle of nowhere, compared to someone like Alex who just seems miserable. Same with Boris, who actually made videos that were watchable for someone who doesn't speak good French 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NZK 399 Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 New IMOCA rule updates for 2021-2025 https://www.sail-world.com/news/237073/New-IMOCA-rules-for-2021-25 Summary version; Increasing sustainability - recycled sails, favouring 'biosourced' materials in non-structural elements, proposing non-diesel power plants Limiting foil size - cost and safety considerations Increasing safety - increased buoyancy (110% up from 105%), relocation of crew safety gear, increased collision capability Increased mast rake allowance to 6º - aid 'deep south' performance and safety Cost control - any sensors +€10K must be commercially available and from authorised list, sail wardrobe cap, addition of standing rigging and Sat Comms to OD supplied list. Looks like the general consensus is to reign everything in a little bit and increase sustainability - both environmental and economical..... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonRowe 804 Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 The original article: https://www.imoca.org/en/news/news/new-imoca-rules-for-2021-25-an-evolution-and-not-a-revolution- 1 hour ago, NZK said: Increasing sustainability - recycled sails, favouring 'biosourced' materials in non-structural elements, proposing non-diesel power plants Specifically, everyone must have at least 1 certified recycled Sail, only Pip and Ari qualified for this last time around. Interestingly biosourced materials are favoured by not counting towards the weight of the boat up to 100kg. The rule now allows people to apply for exemptions from measurement for non-diesel engines (which was previously only an unwritten rule, Conrad Colman and Alex Thomson both didn't have diesel engines, although Alex had a generator on board which was presumedly diesel). 1 hour ago, NZK said: Limiting foil size - cost and safety considerations To a box rule that would fit Charal and Hugo Bosses foils, so presumedly not Sam Davies, or Charlie Dalins massive Dali foils Quote 4 – Finally, in order to simplify the list of the teams’ R&D topics, some new parts will be standardised. This currently relates to the mast, the keel fin and ram. Going forward, the boom and all the standing rigging will also be made standard, along with the satellite communication via Iridium-Certus, with the Thales antenna (except in The Ocean Race). Bad news for those who are not a fan of the one design, I wonder why they didn't standardise on the sat comms the ocean race uses? Would reduce costs for the cross over teams, instead its guaranteed they'd have to have two sets? 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
furler49 61 Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 57 minutes ago, JonRowe said: Bad news for those who are not a fan of the one design, I wonder why they didn't standardise on the sat comms the ocean race uses? Would reduce costs for the cross over teams, instead its guaranteed they'd have to have two sets? Maybe they know something we don’t... I just don’t see the ocean race / imoca partnership lasting beyond the end of The Ocean Race Europe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonRowe 804 Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 4 minutes ago, furler49 said: Maybe they know something we don’t... I just don’t see the ocean race / imoca partnership lasting beyond the end of The Ocean Race Europe. Even then, is the Thales gear that much better/cheaper than Immarsat? Or is it just what the IMOCAs mostly have? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
furler49 61 Posted April 27 Share Posted April 27 24 minutes ago, JonRowe said: Even then, is the Thales gear that much better/cheaper than Immarsat? Or is it just what the IMOCAs mostly have? The Thales gear is good but I expect it has more to do with the below - taken from the IMOCA's partner section. https://www.imoca.org/en/partners/thales Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staysail 326 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 On 4/27/2021 at 9:27 AM, JonRowe said: The original article: https://www.imoca.org/en/news/news/new-imoca-rules-for-2021-25-an-evolution-and-not-a-revolution- Specifically, everyone must have at least 1 certified recycled Sail, only Pip and Ari qualified for this last time around. Interestingly biosourced materials are favoured by not counting towards the weight of the boat up to 100kg. The rule now allows people to apply for exemptions from measurement for non-diesel engines (which was previously only an unwritten rule, Conrad Colman and Alex Thomson both didn't have diesel engines, although Alex had a generator on board which was presumedly diesel). To a box rule that would fit Charal and Hugo Bosses foils, so presumedly not Sam Davies, or Charlie Dalins massive Dali foils Bad news for those who are not a fan of the one design, I wonder why they didn't standardise on the sat comms the ocean race uses? Would reduce costs for the cross over teams, instead its guaranteed they'd have to have two sets? What a load of ...... First thing we need to see in a small top level open class carbon fibre raceboat fleet is stop all this "lets pretend" nonsense about "sustainability", "environment", "recycling", "biosourced". Unless you are completely stupid its obvious that these boats are irrelevant to the current preaching of the likes of David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg and Ellen MacArthur's current mission, so IMOCA should not be apologising for what they do, and should not pay lip service to all this utter nonsense. Let's face it, one container ship from China loaded with Amazon goods bound for Europe does more damage to the environment in one trip than Imoca racers will do in a lifetime. Keeping the boat within a box rule as far as things like spreaders and foils is a sensible move. Allowing propulsion systems other than a diesel engine is a move in the right direction, an open choice. The one-design mast and keel bits and pieces no longer makes any sense at all. (Didn't prevent keel actuation damage in the last VG, didn't prevent keel collision damage from hitting animals, and prevents designers making the boats safer by innovation and improvement. Any mechanical engineer with any sense must realise the canting keel system design and components is a dog's breakfast and should be allowed to evolve into something better and safer.) Making the boom and bits of the standing rig one-design is completely crazy. What on earth is that all about? Why prevent designers and manufacturers compete to innovate and improve things? As far as costs are concerned. There is a huge disparity already between the rich and the poor yet at both ends of the spectrum there is demand for boats and sponsors get the following they want. There simply is not an "arms race" problem in Imoca so why worry about one? Problem is IMOCA has a virtual monopoly sitting on a real but hard to understand "success story" with no competition. Before its too late I hope they will come to their senses and realise that "open class" and "box rule" are the magic ingredients and that they mess around with these at the peril of the class. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonRowe 804 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 @staysail I respect your right to disagree with the class but I will remind you that they, the IMOCA class are not isolated from the sailors, their decisions are made by the skippers themselves, so they have decided sustainability is important, (or perhaps, an advantage they can gain whilst pleasing their sponsors) and they have decided that more one design helps them. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staysail 326 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 3 minutes ago, JonRowe said: @staysail I respect your right to disagree with the class but I will remind you that they, the IMOCA class are not isolated from the sailors, their decisions are made by the skippers themselves, so they have decided sustainability is important, (or perhaps, an advantage they can gain whilst pleasing their sponsors) and they have decided that more one design helps them. Greenwashing you mean. All this nonsense needs to be called out for what it is. Sad that hardly anyone has the guts these days to state the obvious. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staysail 326 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 Oh, here's a suggestion for a skipper short of a few bob. Say that you are going to have your boat powered by green hydrogen and some government will probably ante up a few million for you! Yes there is lots of money behind all this hype. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonRowe 804 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 28 minutes ago, staysail said: Oh, here's a suggestion for a skipper short of a few bob. Say that you are going to have your boat powered by green hydrogen and some government will probably ante up a few million for you! Yes there is lots of money behind all this hype. Phil Sharp is well ahead of you on that game. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staysail 326 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 49 minutes ago, JonRowe said: Phil Sharp is well ahead of you on that game. HPM officially labelled as a solution to change the world The HPM developed by Genevos, a cleantech spin-off to OceansLab, has been attributed the “Solar Impulse Efficient Solution” Label following an assessment performed by external independent experts and based on verified standards. It is thereby joining the #1000solutions challenge, an initiative by the Solar Impulse Foundation to select solutions that meet high standards in profitability and sustainability and present them to decision-makers to fast-track their implementation. This follows confirmation from France’s region of Nouvelle-Aquitaine to support the development and commercialisation of the HPM through start-up innovation funding. Genevos also joins as an official Member of the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance, strengthening its role in supporting the EU’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Led by Green Skipper and cleantech innovator Phil Sharp, the HPM enables hydrogen and fuel cell technology to be accessible to the maritime sector. As one of the first world-wide to develop an integrated and marinised solution for zero emissions hydrogen power aboard vessels, the innovation aims to support the sector’s clean energy transition, improve air quality, and help address climate change. Good luck to Phil if these sponsors and "foundations" are using him to push their agenda, but this is greenwash in spades. Green hydrogen is not an available fuel and hydrogen is 98%+ made by methane reforming and by the time the hydrogen has been used as a boat fuel more CO2 will have been emitted than if Phil stayed with using gasoil. Where is the "profitability" and "sustainability" in that? Don't get me wrong. I am all in favour of Phil using a hydrogen powered fuel cell and electric drive if that is what he is doing, and good luck to him if he gets benefits like lower overall weight etc. Technological innovation if it gives him an edge in the racing within open class type rules is great but lets be honest and not pretend this technology is environmentally sustainable any more than a carbon fibre epoxy race boat is. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
NZK 399 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 3 hours ago, staysail said: Greenwashing you mean. All this nonsense needs to be called out for what it is. Sad that hardly anyone has the guts these days to state the obvious. I have a slightly different perspective on this; I agree the actual level of sustainability achieved is massively overhyped by the class and individual teams BUT it's these classes that can help drive the whole sport towards being 'greener'. Let's use sails as an example; it costs money to develop sails from recycled or 'bio-sourced' materials - your average consumer can't afford to foot the bill for this development so it has to be driven some other way, either by big money sponsors or through races that provide enough ROI for the manufacturer to do it themselves. The Vendee/IMOCA fleet ticks both of those boxes - yes, the media hype is exaggerated but in the end it's helping to drive the R&D that will result in trickle down to the masses. Surely that's good start?? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staysail 326 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 1 hour ago, NZK said: I have a slightly different perspective on this; I agree the actual level of sustainability achieved is massively overhyped by the class and individual teams BUT it's these classes that can help drive the whole sport towards being 'greener'. Let's use sails as an example; it costs money to develop sails from recycled or 'bio-sourced' materials - your average consumer can't afford to foot the bill for this development so it has to be driven some other way, either by big money sponsors or through races that provide enough ROI for the manufacturer to do it themselves. The Vendee/IMOCA fleet ticks both of those boxes - yes, the media hype is exaggerated but in the end it's helping to drive the R&D that will result in trickle down to the masses. Surely that's good start?? For the project in question the effect of this hype is actually the opposite of what is suggested in the publicity. The hydrogen powering will have a worse effect emissions-wise on the planet (if that is an honest concern) than if gasoil were to be used. Not greener! In truth, less green. As far as sails are concerned most leisure sailors I know actually like their sails made from synthetic materials because they are particularly fit for purpose and that is mainly because of basic properties which are the opposite of what you need for recycling. They do not rot too quickly. Polyester and other plastic sails are as far as I am concerned "a good thing" and I don't want flax ones and I don't want my sails to be stupidly more expensive, seeing as the present impact on the planet is virtually zero. Considering the so called "impact" of all the leisure sails in the world on the climate compared with all other global plastic consumer goods there is simply no problem with leisure sails. Its a case of "if it aint broke don't fix it". Unfortunately the Climate Warriors are on a mission to demonise all "fun" in this world and have zero sense of proportion. Except of course for the elites who can and will ignore all the hype for themselves, profit from it, and continue to do exactly as they please. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonRowe 804 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 2 hours ago, NZK said: I have a slightly different perspective on this; I agree the actual level of sustainability achieved is massively overhyped by the class and individual teams BUT it's these classes that can help drive the whole sport towards being 'greener'. Let's use sails as an example; it costs money to develop sails from recycled or 'bio-sourced' materials - your average consumer can't afford to foot the bill for this development so it has to be driven some other way, either by big money sponsors or through races that provide enough ROI for the manufacturer to do it themselves. The Vendee/IMOCA fleet ticks both of those boxes - yes, the media hype is exaggerated but in the end it's helping to drive the R&D that will result in trickle down to the masses. Surely that's good start?? Yeah I agree, in order to get sails that are environmentally friendly and perform was well as current ones someone has to pay to develop the technology, so encouraging use at the top end of the sport can help with that. Same with the encouragement to use bio-sourced materials in the boat, we're not going to be able to replace carbon fibre until someone invents something similarly strong and similarly cost effective. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staysail 326 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 2 hours ago, JonRowe said: Yeah I agree, in order to get sails that are environmentally friendly and perform was well as current ones someone has to pay to develop the technology, so encouraging use at the top end of the sport can help with that. Same with the encouragement to use bio-sourced materials in the boat, we're not going to be able to replace carbon fibre until someone invents something similarly strong and similarly cost effective. Can't you see how ridiculous this whole environment codswallop has become in the context of IMOCA racing. Without so called environmentally unfriendly modern materials racing of this kind is simply impossible. 60 foot sailboats simply don't do 30 knots without them. If you really believe this nonsense is helpful to anyone or "the planet" you could always go back to boats made from trees and fastened with trunnels and sail with plant fiber sails and rigging. If you expect anyone to invent a biosourced carbon net zero set of materials to replace carbon fiber and synthetic resins I think you will have a long wait! And good luck to Phil in his race. Fascinating to see how the technology pans out and I for one couldn't care less that he will be pushing at least 4 times as much CO2 into the atmosphere as everyone else. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonRowe 804 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 2 hours ago, staysail said: Can't you see how ridiculous this whole environment codswallop has become in the context of IMOCA racing. Without so called environmentally unfriendly modern materials racing of this kind is simply impossible. 60 foot sailboats simply don't do 30 knots without them. If you really believe this nonsense is helpful to anyone or "the planet" you could always go back to boats made from trees and fastened with trunnels and sail with plant fiber sails and rigging. If you expect anyone to invent a biosourced carbon net zero set of materials to replace carbon fiber and synthetic resins I think you will have a long wait! Not really no, the only way to fail is not to try. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staysail 326 Posted April 28 Share Posted April 28 24 minutes ago, JonRowe said: Not really no, the only way to fail is not to try. Anarchists or sheep? Follow Greta, fount of all wisdom! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Laurent 1,801 Posted May 1 Share Posted May 1 Kévin Escoffier is talking about his stint with Armel Le Cléac'h on the new Banque Populaire 10, for the Transat Jacques Vabre, but he also confirmed that PRB will continue the IMOCA adventure with him. He will be at the start of the Route du Rhum in 2022, either with a boat that they are going to buy, or with a new boat made in one of the existing molds (I wonder which one...). And of course, at the start of the Vendée Globe 2024. The automatic English translation is not too bad... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kdock44 11 Posted May 1 Share Posted May 1 Part of the imoca classes marketing insulted staysails politics is all that is going on Quote Link to post Share on other sites
furler49 61 Posted May 1 Share Posted May 1 3 hours ago, Laurent said: Kévin Escoffier is talking about his stint with Armel Le Cléac'h on the new Banque Populaire 10, for the Transat Jacques Vabre, but he also confirmed that PRB will continue the IMOCA adventure with him. He will be at the start of the Route du Rhum in 2022, either with a boat that they are going to buy, or with a new boat made in one of the existing molds (I wonder which one...). And of course, at the start of the Vendée Globe 2024. The automatic English translation is not too bad... Pretty sure he’s already bought the half built IMOCA referred to as ‘Switchback’?! It was originally intended as an Ocean Race boat but Kevin picked it up once that project fell through! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Laurent 1,801 Posted May 1 Share Posted May 1 11 hours ago, furler49 said: Pretty sure he’s already bought the half built IMOCA referred to as ‘Switchback’?! It was originally intended as an Ocean Race boat but Kevin picked it up once that project fell through! On the interview above, it does not seem to be fully decided which way he will go, with the support of PRB. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonRowe 804 Posted May 1 Share Posted May 1 Pretty certain "Mr Fixit" could take a half built hull and make a project out of it 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
eastern motors 113 Posted May 1 Share Posted May 1 On 4/28/2021 at 6:10 PM, staysail said: Anarchists or sheep? Follow Greta, fount of all wisdom! Maybe you should buy a boat and join the class. The rules are voted on by the skippers. They clearly choose Greta over you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trimfast 86 Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 Beyou getting a new boat with Charal 2, deisgned by Sam Manuard https://www.scanvoile.com/2021/05/construction-du-nouvel-imoca-de-jeremie-beyou-charal2.html#.YJLg5JBKiiN 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stief 4,225 Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 52 minutes ago, trimfast said: Beyou getting a new boat with Charal 2, deisgned by Sam Manuard https://www.scanvoile.com/2021/05/construction-du-nouvel-imoca-de-jeremie-beyou-charal2.html#.YJLg5JBKiiN So, lesson learned is for going with an easier boat to sail with a scow bow. Makes sense. Charal 1 for the JVT, then Charal 2 Quote The observation of the Vendée Globe is that the new IMOCAs are excessively fast in maneuverable conditions, but as soon as they become more difficult, the difference with boats of previous generations can no longer really be seen. Our goal will therefore be to try to have a relatively easy, versatile and exploitable boat. Charal 1 had been launched with a grazing bow. Charal 2 will integrate a spatulate bow from the start of the design loop. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
TPG 177 Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 Seb needs a new sponsor and boat after TJV Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stief 4,225 Posted May 5 Share Posted May 5 from V&V Quote Sails and Sailboats: You will race for the last time under the colors of Arkea-Paprec during the Transat Jacques Vabre. Your partners mention "the absence of a shared vision" to justify your exit from the project. What exactly does that mean? Sébastien Simon: I do not endorse, I do not agree with this wording. I feel that this decision was taken a while ago. I am disappointed, in complete misunderstanding. Honestly, I don't know how we got there. This decision does not come from me. This project was very rewarding for me, even if the sporting results did not live up to what I imagined. We were doing a beautiful Vendée Globe, I was fourth when I gave up. Not much was missing. This end-of-project transition will be difficult to manage. I will still try to have a lot of fun, to continue to progress in IMOCA. I want to take advantage of this last season, turn the page and rebuild a project for the 2024 Vendée Globe. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Very Lazy Jack 13 Posted May 13 Share Posted May 13 Cool announcements from Pip and Boris on their Facebook pages. Pip going for 2024 with continued Medallia sponsorship and Bureau Vallee 2 (we already knew that). Boris has put together a nice sponsorship package involving German and Swiss companies. Nice to see VG expanding a bit internationally from French sponsorship domination. 3 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stief 4,225 Posted May 13 Share Posted May 13 Here's Pip's Telegraph article (the Times one is paywalled) Quote 'In your first race you know nothing': Pip Hare sets about next Vendee Globe with sense of hope After finishing 19th in her debut, Hare has secured backing and a new, improved boat for the next edition By Tom Cary, Senior Sports Correspondent 13 May 2021 • 7:06am Pipe Hare will race her second Vendee Globe race Twelve months ago Pip Hare almost gave up on her Vendee Globe dream. With Covid biting, sponsors pulling out, and her boat midway through a refit, she was out of money and out of time. Twelve months on, not only has Hare completed her first solo unassisted voyage around the world (the 47 year-old, who had not done any solo ocean racing until a couple of years ago, exceeded all expectations by finishing the 2020/21 Vendee in 19th place despite one of the oldest boats in the fleet) she has already secured backing for the 2024/25 race. Hare will announce on Thursday that Medallia, the San Francisco-based software company who came to her rescue last summer after reading about her predicament in The Telegraph, are renewing their title sponsorship. Not only that, they have bought her next boat. And it’s a quick one. Bureau Vallee 2, winner of 2016/17 Vendée Globe in the hands of Armel Le Cle’ach before finishing third under Louis Burton a few short months ago, is a massive step up for Hare and should ensure the British skipper is at the sharp end of the fleet next time around. “I can hardly believe it,” admits Hare. “I remember the finish in 2016, watching Armel come over the line [in first place]. It was the first time that we’d seen the ‘foilers’ out there. If somebody had turned around then and gone: ‘That's going to be your boat one day’ I would not have believed them. I guess I’m incredibly just fortunate to have the backing of Medallia. And that they believe in me.” Hare should not be so surprised. Her drive, passion and bubbly personality ensured she was one of the big success stories of the Vendee Globe just gone. In becoming only the eighth woman ever to finish the race, she fought through ocean storms, replaced a broken rudder in the Southern Ocean and dealt with an allergic reaction to a jellyfish sting. Along with the five other female skippers who took part, Hare will be attending the French Senate next week to give a presentation ("I'm brushing up on my French, otherwise they'll just learn that I have a small guinea pig and live three kilometres from the bus stop"). The real surprise would be if she did not pick up a load more sponsors before setting off from Les Sables d’Olonne 2024. Already, though, she is playing a different ball game. Bureau Vallee 2 is a multi-million pound boat and straight away it puts her in a different bracket – right up amongst the ‘midfield’ teams. Hare is still not level with the Alex Thomsons of this world, whose backers Hugo Boss build new boats every campaign with the sole intention of breaking the French stranglehold on the race (French sailors have won every Vendee Globe since the first in 1989). But she is now in the same ballpark. In fact, she insists she would not swap her new boat for any other. So many of the latest generation foiling boats –including Hugo Boss – failed to finish the last race. “I think it was a bit of a game-changer in terms of the way that people view the boats,” she says. “Above all, you have to finish. I really wanted one of the 2016 ones because I felt they were built very solidly. They were the first generation of boats that were built to foil. And you can still make changes; you can take the design to different places, the foils and so on. “Plus,” she adds. “I know the kind of sailor that I am is much more about feel and connection with the elements than just data-crunching in a cabin. For me, a long day completely enclosed, just staring at a computer screen is not what I want to do. It wouldn’t get the best out of me.” The key now for Hare is actually getting foiling. She has never sailed a foiling boat before. “Never. Not even with anyone else,” she says, laughing. But with her budget and boat in place, and with three and a half years still until the next Vendee Globe, she has time on her side for once. She admits she will be disappointed with herself if she does not make the most of it. Hare will still be based in Poole but she says the Bureau Vallee team are being “very supportive” with the handover, with Burton himself happy to take her out on the boat and even to train with her ahead of the next campaign. “St Malo, where Bureau Vallee are based, is only 100 miles from Poole,” she points out. “I think I have an incredible opportunity now to really get to grips with this boat and give myself the best possible chance of a result." Asked whether she could repeat Burton’s feat of a podium spot, or even Le Cle’ach’s victory, Hare smiles. “This far out it’s hard to say,” she admits. “But I’m not messing around. In my head, this was always about two campaigns. Because let’s be honest, in your first race, you know absolutely nothing. I was just looking for an opportunity to show my potential, to get that next opportunity. “Now, this is definitely about performance. I want my next result to mark me out as a good sailor.” 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JonRowe 804 Posted May 13 Share Posted May 13 Looks like its also on Pips blog https://www.piphare.com/blog/learning-from-the-past-looking-to-the-future Quote Link to post Share on other sites
staysail 326 Posted May 15 Share Posted May 15 On 5/2/2021 at 12:07 AM, eastern motors said: Maybe you should buy a boat and join the class. The rules are voted on by the skippers. They clearly choose Greta over you. Its all greenwash hypocracy. Poor you if you cant see it for what it is. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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