International Monohull Open Class Association

Open 60 class monohull: Michel Desjoyeauxs Foncia

The International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA) is an association founded in 1991 with headquarters in Paris , which participates in the organization of regattas and sailing world championships such as the Vendée Globe . IMOCA has been a member of ISAF (International Sailing Federation) since 1998 and World Sailing since 2015 .

It established the binding rules for the boat class of monohull boats of 60 feet (approx. 18.29 meters) in length , which is widespread in ocean races ; these boats are referred to as Open 60 or "IMOCA 60". President is Antoine Mermod.

Beginnings

The association has regatta participants, organizers and boat builders among its members who deal with sailing yachts for overseas races. It was brought into being after the first Vendée Globe to set up binding rules for the boat class of monohulls of 60 feet in length (IMOCA 60). Its founding members include Isabelle Autissier , Christophe Auguin , Alain Gautier and Jean-Luc Van Den Heede .

The association administers the class of Open 60 boats, which was recognized as an International Class by ISAF 2001, and works on the rules for regattas in this class, such as the Vendée Globe, the Calais Round Britain Race and The Transat .

IMOCA also organizes an annual world championship for boats of this class, which is intended to increase the popularity of the boat group. The development of the boat class is making great strides, it is one of the fastest sailing boat classes ever.

Most recently, the IMOCA world champions included Bernard Stamm , Jean Le Cam and Mike Golding .