IMOCA has always driven change. Change in performance, change in our championship, change with regard to safety at sea. Today, our largest mission is to drive change in our sport through sustainability, not only so that the IMOCA community can change but for offshore racing and the sport as a whole.
Before we begin, we would like to start by saying that we recognise that we still have many aspects to work on. However, we have already been working incredibly hard in seven areas. In these seven areas, we are not only driving but beginning to accelerate the change, and why is this?
Well (and this is in no particular order), these areas are core to IMOCA - some areas are governed by rules such as the Eco-Score and RISE. These rules will have the most powerful impact as they concern all members of the IMOCA Class. Consequently, they will have an impact on industry. They will push the industry to develop new sustainable techniques and innovations, and therefore reduce harmful emissions.
We have a fundamental concern, our Ocean. The Ocean is where we sail and where our sailors witness the impacts of human activity on this delicate ecosystem. Protecting it through our means and working in relation with the maritime sector has become well rooted within our Class.
Offshore racing is one of the only mixed sports in terms of gender and handicap. IMOCA celebrates this unique privilege and realises the importance of preserving and enhancing it through our Diversity Equity and Inclusion programme.
Our objective is to use sport to accelerate and embed environmental and social change. The last four years up to 2024 have seen just the beginnings of this change. The following four years will see ambitious, but achievable actions and the maturity of projects. With the right people and their mindsets, change is happening and action is taking place. As you may be aware, change takes time and right decisions should not be rushed. Yet, by swapping the BUT for the WHAT IF, it has allowed us to change and continue this extraordinary adventure.
Take a look for yourselves at what is going on behind the scenes at IMOCA.