Élodie Bonafous Embarks on Vendée Globe 2028 Campaign with State-of-the-Art IMOCA 60
On Tuesday in Concarneau, Mer Concept and Horizon 29 unveiled their brand-new IMOCA 60, a vessel meticulously crafted with the same design principles that propelled Charlie Dalin’s IMOCA Macif Santé Prévoyance to victory in the 2024-2025 Vendée Globe. According to the Finistère-based team, this exceptional craft promises to be a formidable contender in the most prestigious international competitions.
The launch of the IMOCA 60 marks a pivotal moment in the career of skipper Élodie Bonafous, who joins the elite IMOCA class as she embarks on a rigorous preparation for the 2028 Vendée Globe. "This is a deeply emotional experience for our entire team. After months of tireless dedication, witnessing this magnificent vessel touch the water is an overwhelming moment. It’s now time to set sail and steadily gain momentum towards our ultimate goal," confides the 29-year-old sailor.
Bonafous boasts an impressive track record, having participated five times in the demanding Solitaire du Figaro, a circuit exclusively for Figaro Beneteau boats. Her exceptional determination and strategic brilliance have earned her a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. "The 2024 Vendée Globe demonstrated the paramount importance of technical excellence in achieving sporting success. Embarking on a Vendée Globe 2028 campaign required nothing less than partnering with experts in every relevant field to provide Élodie with the best possible chance of excelling in upcoming races," asserts Bertrand Queguiner, Team Manager of Horizon 29.
Clément Quéguiner, President of Groupe Quéguiner and Bonafous’ unwavering supporter for over three years, shares this ambitious vision: "We are immensely proud to support Élodie Bonafous in this extraordinary new adventure. Her talent, commitment, and determination perfectly embody the values of Groupe Quéguiner. We have no doubt that she will inspire widespread support for this project. We eagerly anticipate following her journey and accompanying her towards the 2028 Vendée Globe."
"Born by the sea and nurtured by the winds of the Bay of Morlaix, Élodie Bonafous epitomizes the new generation of Breton sailors," adds Horizon 29, emphasizing her "unyielding determination to etch her name into the annals of the Vendée Globe."
Technical Specifications of the New IMOCA 60:
- Length: 18.28 meters
- Width: 5.85 meters
- Draft: 4.50 meters
- Displacement: 7.5 tons
- Sail Area: 300 square meters
- Builder: Mer Concept
Key Features:
- Foils for enhanced stability and speed
- An optimized hull for reduced drag and improved performance
- A user-friendly cockpit designed for demanding offshore conditions
- Sophisticated electronics for precise navigation and performance analysis
This IMOCA 60 represents the culmination of cutting-edge technology and expertise, meticulously designed to navigate the world’s most challenging oceans with both speed and safety. As Élodie Bonafous embarks on her journey towards the 2028 Vendée Globe, she will have the unwavering support of her team, her sponsors, and the entire sailing community.
