Design Development class | LOA 18 m (60 ft) | |
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The IMOCA 60 are a type of monohull sailing yachts administrated by the International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA).
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Description
The monohulls are high-performance racing boats, designed principally for single-handed competition. Several high-profile yacht races are based around these boats, such as the VELUX 5 Oceans Race, the Vendée Globe and the Barcelona World Race (circum-navigations), the Calais Round Britain Race (crewed race around the British Isles), and the Route du Rhum, the Transat Jacques Vabre, the Quebec-St Malo the Single-Handed Trans-Atlantic Race, and the Europa Race.
Classes
The class is the main focus of IMOCA. As the names imply, this class is "open", meaning that it does not represent fixed boat designs; instead, they are defined by a "box rule" which permits any design, as long as it meets certain restrictions. The class rules specify the lengths of the boats (between 59 and 60 feet, or 17.983 to 18.288m) and their maximum draughts (4.5m)) but place no explicit restrictions on beam, mast height or sail area. There are extensive prescriptions for flotation, self-righting capability, and safety and survival equipment.
This class is recognised by World Sailing.
Boats are typically light and high-powered, with large sail-plans. Typically consisting of large carbon-fibre shells, there are few concessions to comfort, though cooking facilities and two bunks are mandatory.