The Volvo Ocean Race management has partnered with the IMOCA Class Association to host the next race on IMOCA 60 boats. The boats will be upgraded to match the specifics of the race, but all conversions will take place under the strict control of the class association.
The IMOCA class has been in the focus of Volvo Ocean Race management for several months, shortly before the ownership change. In early April the class association took the first step towards cooperation and gave its approval for the next IMOCA 60. However, the VOR organizers promised to make their final decision known only by the final race of the current season, and their answer has been positive.
«This is one of the first steps in preparation for next year's race season in 2021," says Johan Salén, one of the race's chairmen and owners. - It is an ongoing process of collaboration to introduce new elements that will help make the next race a success from a sporting and business point of view».
Last week a meeting was held in The Hague to wrap up stage 11 of the round-the-world race with members of last years VOR teams as well as IMOCA class racers and boat designers. Those in attendance brainstormed to determine what changes needed to be made to boat designs.
«We aim to make a boat for the future that will be capable of competing in solo or doubles races as well as in full crew regattas," commented Guillaume Verdier, one of the most famous designers of the IMOCA and America's Cup classes today. - I believe it is possible with a small compromise from each side that will allow us to come to a golden mean».
The racers of the latter VOR welcomed the move to the IMOCA class, noting that this could attract more teams to the regatta.
And what the future holds for the VO65 class of boats, on which yachtsmen have competed in the last two Volvo Ocean Race circumnavigations, promises to be announced within a few weeks.
