Team Malizia’s new IMOCA yacht has successfully completed one of the most important stages of its pre-launch programme, moving a step closer to making its racing debut later this year…
Following its launch in Lorient and a series of static inspections, Malizia 4 has undergone a mandatory 90-degree stability test, a key certification required before any new IMOCA can begin sea trials. During the procedure, the yacht was carefully tilted until it lay almost horizontal on the water, allowing engineers to measure how effectively it rights itself and verify that its centre of gravity complies with class regulations.
Although spectacular to watch, the exercise is a critical safety assessment. IMOCA yachts must be capable of recovering from extreme angles of heel and meet strict stability standards before being cleared to race.
The latest milestone follows two years of design and construction, representing around 85,000 hours of work. Developed to perform across a wider range of wind conditions than its predecessor, Malizia 4 combines cutting-edge racing technology with onboard scientific equipment that will continue Team Malizia’s environmental research during offshore competitions.
Attention now turns to the yacht’s first sea trials, where the crew will begin evaluating its performance in real sailing conditions ahead of September’s Ocean Race Atlantic and an ambitious racing programme leading towards the 2028-29 Vendée Globe.
Image: Team Malizia