The Class40 IBSA in the shipyard: focus on safety, stability and speed

Check the boat inch by inch and intervene where necessary, to give new strength to a hull that – between regattas and transfers – has covered over 50,000 miles in less than two years. For the Class40 IBSA,the interval between the last regatta of 2023 (the Transat Jacques Vabre) and the first of 2024 (the Transat CIC) is not dedicated to waiting, but to strategy, engineering and hull work, in view of the two 2024 transoceanic crossings, which will require a strong, stable and fast boat.

Indeed, the Transat CIC will be a solo regatta characterised by a long close-hauling in strong winds: the boat will be crashing on the waves – not the best for hulls with a scow bow, like the Class40 IBSA – and she will have to run very fast. “We have done plenty of work, with more planned, some of which structural, to give greater stability to the boat”, stated Alberto Bona.

At the centre of attention, the ballasts – the boat’s balancing systems, i.e. “liquid weights that allow the hull to be more stable and heel less when going upwind – and the energy systems, to ensure energy even in sunless weather conditions. The technical team is also working on the installation of a desalination unit and a new sail which, according to Bona, could make a difference.

Last but not least, the topic of safety, particularly important for solo upwind sailing, also in consideration of the accidents that occurred in several regattas. Therefore, among the new safety systems wanted by Alberto, are additional safety lines to avoid falling on board and overboard, as well as improvements below deck, to facilitate the shifting of weights after manoeuvres. On board the Class40 IBSA, a pilot’s seat will also be installed, which will allow a few more hours of rest and a more comfortable plotting space.