Construction of the OceansLab IMOCA hull is complete and the boat is now entering the final systems installation phase.
The structural assembly of the deck and hull of the 60-foot foiling OceansLab IMOCA, a third evolution Manuard design, has now completed at Pauger Carbon Composites boatyard. The IMOCA will now be transferred to Black Pepper Yachts in Nantes, to complete the final fit-out, with hydrogen integration specialists Genevos installing the complete energy system.
OceansLab set to compete in the solo transatlantic race, the Retour à La Base, qualifier for the Vendée Globe 2024, which will start from Fort-de-France in Martinique on 26 November.
Phil Sharp, skipper and co-founder, said: “This transatlantic race will be my first ever solo race on an IMOCA, and I am excited to get racing, not only because of the importance of completing the race to qualify for the Vendee Globe, but also the enormous personal challenge of racing a new foiling rocket-ship, that will push me right to my limits.
“We are completely focused on hitting that start line in Martinique with a boat and skipper fully ready to attack this fast-paced transatlantic race, that will no doubt present some tough conditions, especially in the final stretch to the finish line in France.”
