2016 Vendée Globe – Andrea Mura presents his new boat

by Vendee Globe on 13 Jun 2015 Andrea Mura has just taken another step forward on his way to the 2016 Vendée Globe. The hull of his new generation monohull has just been removed from the mould at the Persico Marine yard in Nembro near Milan. The monohull was presented to the press yesterday and is due to be launched in August 2015. Andrea Mura’s first challenge with his new IMOCA 60 will be the Transat Jacques Vabre, which starts on 25th October, offering him an opportunity to get to grips with his new racing boat.

The first new generation Imoca built for an Italian skipper

Andrea Mura’s new IMOCA 60 is 18.28 metres long, 5.85 metres wide with a draught of 4.50 metres and a mast, which is almost 30m tall. This monohull was built specifically for Andrea with the 2016 Vendée Globe in mind. She was based on a design from Verdier/VPLP and built by Persico Marine, one of the most famous Italian boatyards.

Looking for partners

Andrea Mura funded the construction of his boat thanks to some private investors. He is currently looking for partners to share this adventure, which includes a four-year long race programme with the Vendée Globe and the major IMOCA races (Fastnet, Route du Rhum, Barcelona World Race,...). Andrea Mura: “To compete in the Vendée Globe is the dream of every sailor, who faces the ocean. I have worked hard to be able to tackle this legendary event, and I’m proud to be the first Italian skipper to have had a new IMOCA built.'

Andrea Mura, an internationally renowned Italian skipper

Andrea began his racing career in the Olympic series, before moving to maxi yachts, taking part in particular in the America’s Cup on Il Moro di Venezia. His career then shifted to solo ocean racing. In particular, he won the 2010 Route du Rhum in his category and the 2013 OSTAR transatlantic race.