The IMOCA has always driven change, whether in terms of performance, sportsmanship, or safety at sea. Now more than ever, our most ambitious mission is to revolutionize our sport through sustainable initiatives, not only for our community but also for the entire offshore racing industry.
It’s crucial to emphasize that there are still many areas in our approach that need improvement. Nevertheless, we have already made significant strides in seven key areas. In these areas, we are not merely progressing; we are accelerating change.
Firstly, these areas are essential to IMOCA. Some are governed by rules, such as the Eco-Score and RISE, which will have a broader impact as they apply to all members of the IMOCA Class. These initiatives aim to reduce emissions and encourage the industry to develop new sustainable techniques and innovations. Secondly, our ocean, where our sailors witness the effects of human impact every day, must be protected. Finally, offshore racing is one of the few sports that truly embraces gender and ability diversity—an aspect that IMOCA is committed to preserving and promoting.
The goal is ambitious but achievable. With the right people and their dedication, change is already underway.
Offshore racing, including the activities of IMOCA, is merely one part of human activity on our planet. However, we aim to reduce our emissions, accelerate sustainable change within our community and inspire those who follow our sailors and races to take action themselves. We all recognise that in whatever field we operate we have a responsibility to develop ways to protect our planet. IMOCA has taken its first steps in this regard and, over the next four years, the Class will continue to develop initiatives and embed its sustainability strategy in its activities.
IMOCA is acting entirely on its own initiative in the field of sustainability. Neither the Class, nor ocean racing in general is legally required to put in place a sustainability strategy to reduce emissions. But we now know that our activities contribute to harmful emissions and we believe it is our duty to respond. Our strategy aims to align our activities with the Paris Agreement of 2015. This sets out a trajectory to reduce our emissions by 2030 and onwards to 2050.
According to a 2023 study commissioned by the Fédération Française de Voile (FFV), the offshore racing community should reduce its harmful emissions by 30% by 2030. IMOCA fully accepts this target and will endeavour to reach that goal which is itself compatible with the Paris Agreement.
Working alongside our industry
Science programme
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion