For a skipper and team which are aiming for a decent sporting performance, empirical analysis of the the performance data and corresponding behavioural characteristics of an IMOCA is essential. And it is increasingly important when it comes to the analysis and understanding of the new generation foiling ‘flying’ IMOCAs. On the Charal team Nicolas Andrieu is one of the technical team members whose responsibility it is to gather the data and analyse it. The objectives are to realise the full potential of the boat on all points of sail and wind strengths, to make incremental changes in appropriate steps at the right time, and to maximise the reliability of the boat and the requisite hardware. 

In the exacting, precise high tech world of ocean racing yacht construction the CDK boatyard are a benchmark operation. Created in 1984 by Hubert Desjoyeaux, Jean Le Cam and Gaétan Gouérou, and managed by Philippe Facque, the yard builds all different types and classes of ocean racing craft including Ultimes, IMOCAs, Multi50s and MOD70s. Over recent years their successful IMOCA builds include Michel Desjoyeaux’s 2008-9 Vendée Globe winning Foncia and Francois Gabart’s 2012-13 Vendée Globe winner MACIF. 

It is one full week now since young Clarisse Crémer has been officially on a ‘yellow brick road’ pathway that will lead her to compete in the next Vendée Globe.