6/1/2021

IMOCA Class Sets Precedent with New “Green” Rules

Coordinated by the IMOCA Class (International Monohull Open Class Association), the Vendée Globe Technical Committee, which currently represents fifteen teams, has announced changes to the Class Rules for 2021-25. As well addressing safety, costs and limitations on foils, the new rules are geared towards making the 2024 Vendée Globe more sustainable and in doing so they set an important precedent for sailing events worldwide. Antoine Mermod, President of the IMOCA Class commented, “We’ve finally managed to put forward rules that favour more sustainable performance, whilst once again encouraging the creativity of both engineers and teams. In short, we have a technical evolution rather than a revolution.” As part of encouraging competitors to up their game when it comes to sustainability, the rules state that “by 2023, every competitor shall have aboard one ‘Green Sail’ among the eight permitted on IMOCA Globe Series Championship races.” This sail can be made from alternative materials and/or be fully recyclable. The official IMOCA Class announcement cites Pip Hare and Ari Huusela, who completed the most recent edition of the race with OneSails 4T FORTE ISO 14040-certified sails that are 100% recyclable. John Parker from OneSails GBR (East) commented, “I am encouraged to see this bold move from the IMOCA Class, which certainly sets a benchmark for other high profile sailing organisations to follow and expand further. It will be interesting to see if these new rules translate across to other events and, in the longer term, filter down to grass roots regattas.” John continued, “Not only is OneSails’ 4T FORTE sail cloth the only truly recyclable material currently on the market, but it is also incredibly durable. Pip Hare reported no damage to her sails after sailing hard for 99days in the 2020-21 edition of the Vendée Globe.” Amongst the factors that will impact Class Measurement are the use of bio-sourced materials for the elements of the boat that are non-structural, and an alternative propulsion system to a standard diesel engine. It is also now compulsory for teams to carry out a Life-Cycle Assessment for any construction of a new boat or certain. The full announcement and details on the new rules can be found via www.imoca.org