IMOCA sailors are racers but also ‘citizen heroes’, helping to develop our understanding of climate change.
The collection of oceanographic and atmospheric data along the course using on-board or deployed instruments are invaluable contributions to the Global Ocean Observation System (GOOS).
In 2015, the IMOCA Class signed its first partnership with Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of UNESCO, during COP21 in Barcelona. Since then, collaborations with scientists have continued to grow and flourish.
The partnership took another step forward, after the United Nations declared the Ocean Decade in 2021. This laid the foundations for a new era of ocean awareness alongside the Odyssey Programme that ensures sustainable support for all ocean sciences. It is spearheaded by OceanOPS in which IMOCA plays a significant role.
Before each race, the Class contacts OceanOPS and its various operational partners to assess the scientific opportunities related to the race routes. OceanOPS evaluates the data needs in the relevant areas and determines which types of instruments could be installed or used to complement the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) database.
The Class then communicates these needs to the teams, who volunteer to collaborate with scientists.
For the 2024 Vendée Globe, a shared goal of involving half of the starting fleet in collaboration with scientists has become a clear priority.
This marks the first time so many sailors have united around a collective project for ocean preservation.
Building on initiatives started in 2019 with various partners, IMOCA boats have been equipped with meteorological buoys deployed as part of the European E-Surfmar program, as well as ARGO floats under the ERIC (European Research Infrastructure Consortium) Euro-Argo program.
