Founded in 1991 and recognized by World Sailing (the International Sailing Federation) since 1998, the International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA) manages the Open 60-foot monohull class (18.28 meters). IMOCA establishes rules that ensure fair competition while promoting innovation and the safety of the boats.
IMOCA’s goal is to develop the monohull fleet and offer its skippers an attractive and coherent racing program. It contributes to the internationalization of offshore racing by incorporating the principles of competition, innovation, human adventure, and safety into its daily operations.
As it evolves, IMOCA is committed to encouraging collective reflection and innovation on environmental issues, adapting its rules and practices for ever more sustainable performance.
In 2018, IMOCA launched the IMOCA GLOBE SERIES, a quadrennial championship that now includes two iconic round-the-world races: the Vendée Globe and The Ocean Race. At the end of each season, the skipper or duo with the most accumulated points is crowned IMOCA Annual Champion. Before each edition of the Vendée Globe, the skipper with the highest points accumulated during the year is named IMOCA Champion and becomes the leading favorite for the solo round-the-world race.
2023: Sam Goodchild
2022: Charlie Dalin
2021: Charlie Dalin & Paul Meilhat
2018-2021: Boris Herrmann
IMOCA is committed to defining and enforcing class rules to ensure fair competition and the safety of sailors and their boats. In cooperation with race management, the association co-writes race notices and works collectively towards more sustainable performance.
IMOCA manages the race calendar of the IMOCA Globe Series Championship and defines a long-term vision for the Class and its sailors. It drives sporting, technical, event, and economic stakeholders to develop an increasingly collective, robust, and virtuous system.
IMOCA advocates on behalf of the sailors with race organizers, national and international authorities and bodies, as well as shared service providers.
IMOCA develops its brand image and voice, showcasing the Class through its skippers, boats, races, and commitments to sustainable development. It expands its influence beyond French borders, pooling communication tools and operations, engaging the sponsor community, and enhancing the association's commercial offering.
Antoine MERMOD, President of the IMOCA Class
Boris HERRMANN, Skipper of Team Malizia (Vice-President)
Benjamin DUTREUX, Skipper of 4CAD (Treasurer)
Sébastien SIMON, Skipper of Groupe Dubreuil
Violette DORANGE, Skipper of Initiatives-Cœur
Yoann RICHOMME, Skipper of Paprec Arkéa
David SINEAU, Team Manager of Initiatives-Cœur
Philippe LAOT, Technical Director of V and B-Monbana-Mayenne
Yoann RICHOMME, skipper of Paprec Arkéa, Board member and Sport Commission referent
Antoine MERMOD, président of the IMOCA Class
Arnaud BOISSIERES, skipper of La Mie Câline
Jérémie BEYOU, skipper of Charal
Louis DUC, skipper of Fives-Lantana Environnement
Manuel COUSIN, skipper of Coup de Pouce
Samantha DAVIES, skipper of Initiatives-Cœur
Hubert LEMONNIER, Directeur de course
Francis LEGOFF, Directeur de course
Gwen CHAPALAIN, Organisateur de course
René BOULAIRE, Chief Measurer of IMOCA
Noémie PROVOST, IMOCA Technical Coordinator
Marie VAN DEN HEEDE, IMOCA Technical Coordinator
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Each team's technical representative is invited to participate in the Technical Commission.
