As the 2024 Vendée Globe approaches, Charlie Dalin is making waves with his new IMOCA design. Having previously helmed the groundbreaking Apivia—now piloted by Clarisse Cremer on L’Occitane en Provence—Dalin's experience has paved the way for a fresh perspective on offshore racing boats. His past performance in the 2020/21 race, where he was first across the line but finished second, has only fueled his desire to push the boundaries even further in this next race.

Dalin's extensive history with Apivia revealed some limitations, especially when sailing downwind in challenging conditions. He remarked, "Apivia was an amazing boat... but it had a small weakness: running dead downwind with a big sea state." Fellow Vendée Globe competitor, Yoann Richomme, reinforced this perspective, stating that while the 2020-generation boats were incredibly fast, their hull designs struggled with wave impacts, leading to a need for significant improvements for the upcoming cycle.

Revolutionizing Hull Design

In crafting the new Macif, Dalin partnered once again with renowned designer Guillaume Verdier. The result? An intricate hull design that deviates from traditional wider transoms, focusing instead on harnessing the power of foils. "We managed to create a narrower hull shape, especially at the transom," Dalin explained, highlighting a strategic volume shift towards the bow to mitigate the notorious nose-dive problem.

Moreover, the incorporation of a refined rocker allows the vessel to maintain a more optimal elevation, improving performance and reducing drag when gliding through water. Upon testing the new design, Dalin felt the positive effects immediately, stating that Macif felt less "draggy."

A "Drier" Sailing Experience

Keeping skippers dry in harsh conditions is paramount, and Macif employs innovative structural features such as a deep 'strake' and a gull-wing-shaped deck. These design traits not only help deflect waves away from the deck but also enhance structural integrity, thanks to their unique shapes. The geometry of the deck offers a compelling advantage—adding rigidity without increasing overall weight by using less carbon fiber.

Dalin’s attention to detail is evident even in the seemingly minor aspects, like the newly designed toe rail that assists in water evacuation, showcasing the complex engineering methods behind the exterior design.

A Groundbreaking Cockpit

Dalin’s interior design choices mark a departure from trends seen in other vessels. With his forward-covered cockpit and a protected living area (dubbed the "studette"), Dalin focuses on minimizing physical strain while maximizing performance. The small living space, only 5m², is meticulously designed for ergonomics—ensuring that everything needed is within arm’s reach.

Thoughtful arrangement contrasts with previous generations; for example, the cockpit features cleverly placed winches that reduce effort and streamline sailing operations while minimizing weight by opting for four winches instead of five.

A Focus on Comfort Amidst Speed

Not only did Dalin ensure that the ergonomics of the cockpit were optimized, but he also invested significant thought into ventilation and livability standards. With adjustable hatches and portholes for airflow, he has created a living space adaptable to both the intense speeds of racing and the safety needs of long voyages.

The bunk, custom-shaped for comfort, and a precisely designed chair based on a 3D body mapping process reflect Dalin's commitment to ensuring that every moment on the water is not just about racing but maintaining a quality of life aboard the boat.

Designing for the Future

For Dalin, the journey of creating Macif is just as rewarding as the race itself. "It's such an amazing, interesting part of the campaign... making a boat just as you want," he said, expressing his enthusiasm for the innovative aspects this project brings. After his extensive involvement in shaping Macif, Dalin feels he is on the cusp of something transformative for ocean racing.

As the Vendée Globe draws near, anticipation surges around how these design advancements will impact skippers' performances. Will Charlie Dalin’s Macif dominate the competition and reclaim the top spot? Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the race is shaping up to be one for the ages!