DMG MORI Sailing Team Constructs New IMOCA Race Boat
by DMG MORI Sailing Team 30 Sep 00:36 PDT
DMG MORI Sailing Team in Newport, USA © DMG MORI Sailing Team / Qaptur
The DMG MORI Sailing Team has announced the construction of a new IMOCA 60 aimed at competing in The Ocean Race 2027 and the Vendée Globe 2028. This vessel will be built for durability and performance, capable of withstanding the most severe ocean conditions.
Charting a course for the future: the DMG MORI Sailing Team is developing a new IMOCA racing yacht. The project, which began in July 2024 with experienced partners, is led by naval architect Guillaume Verdier, known for over 20 years in competitive sailing design. Multiplast, a longstanding and trusted partner of the team, is fabricating the race boat using high-performance composite materials.
While preparing for the Vendée Globe 2024, the team is already looking ahead. The new design will allow for single-handed racing in events like the Vendée Globe 2028, as well as adaptability for crewed competition in The Ocean Race 2027. The design will feature cutting-edge advancements in aerodynamics and hydrodynamics, with optimum performance achieved through carbon fiber and other lightweight, high-strength materials. This advanced boat will include foils and innovative systems to maximize performance and reliability.
“We are excited to announce the building of this new boat,” states Irene Bader, Managing Director of the DMG MORI Sailing Team and a member of the DMG MORI Board. “This initiative not only incorporates the latest technology but also the collective knowledge and skills of our team. The boat will be robust, reflecting innovation and team spirit.”
“This is the first time we are designing a boat from the ground up, considering the latest requirements in yacht construction. It’s a challenge, but we look forward to accomplishing it with our unique and diverse team. This is an excellent opportunity to learn from one another and exhibit our Global One spirit,” remarks DMG MORI Skipper Kojiro Shiraishi.
The new IMOCA race boat is set for launch in early 2026, confirming that the project is committed to long-term aspirations.
Next Chapter: The Ocean Race By participating in The Ocean Race 2027, the world’s most renowned crewed race, the team is entering a new phase in offshore sailing. With strong connections to Japan and France, alongside other nationalities among the crew, cultural diversity remains a vital theme that the team aims to emphasize throughout The Ocean Race. Furthermore, fostering intergenerational collaboration is another aspect the team will prioritize. Seasoned sailors will race alongside the team’s young talents. The DMG MORI Sailing Academy, established in 2022, empowers young individuals to pursue careers in offshore sailing and enhance their expertise via racing experience in the Classe Mini 6.50 and, starting this year, in Figaro Beneteau.
About the DMG MORI Sailing Team
Founded in 2018, the DMG MORI Sailing Team is a professional offshore racing crew situated in Lorient, France. Japanese Skipper Kojiro Shiraishi and his team successfully navigated the Vendée Globe 2020, recognized as one of the toughest races globally. With the introduction of the DMG MORI Sailing Academy in 2022, young talents are nurtured to thrive in offshore sailing and develop their skills within the DMG MORI Sailing Team.
About DMG MORI
DMG MORI is a leading global manufacturer of precise machine tools, operating in 43 countries with 116 sales and service centers, including 17 production facilities. Over 13,000 employees drive the progression of comprehensive solutions in the manufacturing arena as part of the “Global One Company.” Our portfolio covers sustainable manufacturing solutions across technologies such as Turning, Milling, Grinding, and Boring, as well as Ultrasonic, Lasertec, and Additive Manufacturing. By integrating technology, automation, and digitization solutions, we enable a simultaneous increase in productivity and resource efficiency.
