Race prepped and ready to compete in the 2024 edition of the Vendée Globe we are pleased to bring our much-loved Owen Clarke designed IMOCA 60 ‘Nexans Wewise’ to market. With a complete refit in 2023 with new daggerboard configuration, deck plan revision, new running and standing rigging, new set of North sails, conversion to 2016-gauge ballast, installation of 2 new Madintec lines, new computer systems (2 PCs) and the lowering of the cockpit 30 cm to achieve headroom under the sprayhood and greater skipper protection. And in 2024 a new keel (stainless steel foil at AMPM, bulb at Irons Brothers, fairing at C3Technologie).
Nexans Wewise presents like a new boat and we will be keenly following Fabrice Amedeo Vendée Globe journey. Installed with several oceanographic sensors to measure temperature, salinity, and CO2 levels, as well as microplastics and environmental DNA in surface waters, the vessel is set up to collect data to help scientists better understand the impacts of global warming and ocean pollution. Fitted with 15 square metres of solar panels, Fabrice’s ambition is to circumnavigate the globe without using fossil energy. This is truly a boat driven and powered by wind, water, and sunlight.
New Zealand built and originally commissioned for Mike Golding as Ecover 3 for the 2008 Vendée Globe, she was leading the race until her unfortunate dismasting. Following refurbishment, she has raced in every edition since as Gamesa (Vendée Globe 2012), Kilcullen Voyager (Vendée Globe 2016), La Mie Caline (Vendée Globe 2020), with a new rig and mast installed in 2017.
She has proved to be a reliable finisher and would be one of, if not the fastest, daggerboard entry for the Vendée Globe 2028. Nexans is a very smart IMOCA with a good pedigree. Please register your interest early as we are anticipating high demand in this boat.
