Defi Azimut and Duo Concarneau Races
This week, YB Tracking was again back on-site in France for two races.
These events represent opposite ends of the sailing spectrum in terms of boat size, yet their designs share more similarities than one might expect.
First, we have the IMOCA class, which represents the pinnacle of offshore racing yachts. These 60-foot (18-metre) boats are equipped with cutting-edge technology: foils that lift the boat out of the water, canting keels, and innovative features such as pivoting masts. Their top speeds are now approaching an astonishing 40 knots.
With just two months until the Vendée Globe, this race serves as the final major test for these yachts.
Being on-site and witnessing the meticulous work by these teams is truly awe-inspiring. From making small adjustments to reconfiguring the interior just days before the Défi Azimut begins, the attention to detail is remarkable.
There is a strong focus on sailor comfort aboard these boats, but it’s done in the most minimalist way possible. It’s crucial for the sailors to maintain their physical endurance, so they must take the best possible care of themselves to keep performing at a high level.
The Défi Azimut showcases the IMOCA class with speed trials, the 48-hour Azimut Race, and culminates with the Tour de Groix, rounding off an intense week of competition.
Set in the heart of French offshore racing at La Base in Lorient, the atmosphere is electric with passion, dedication, and the relentless drive to be named the best IMOCA boat.
Located just north of Lorient lies the picturesque seaside town of Concarneau, the staging point for the start of the Duo Concarneau 2024, organised by the Société des Régates de Concarneau.
Despite being just 6.5 metres (21.5 feet) in length, the Classe Mini 6.50 boats boast an impressive array of features. Many of these innovations have gone on to influence the design of larger yacht classes. There are two classes of these pocket rockets.
Key features of the Mini 6.50 Prototype class include canting keels, water ballast systems, twin rudders, carbon-fibre masts and bow sprites, allowing for greater flexibility in both design and technology. These boats have more liberal specifications for keel depth and mast height, along with advanced materials like carbon fibre. This results in the prototype class being approximately 6-7% faster than the production class.
In contrast, the Production Class boats are designed to be simpler and easier to manufacture, adhering strictly to class rules. These boats feature aluminium masts, no foiling, no water ballast systems, and fibreglass construction, with only four small carbon-fibre components. This makes the production class a more affordable entry point into the world of offshore racing.
Another common aspect between these classes is that many of the IMOCA skippers once sailed aboard Classe Mini boats, highlighting this as the stepping stone toward becoming one of the greats in offshore racing.
We wish all the sailors a safe journey and look forward to some thrilling competition.