Yanmar becomes technical partner to IMOCA Class

Yanmar has announced a long-term agreement with the International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA) that will begin in 2026. Under this arrangement, the company becomes the official technical partner of the IMOCA Class.

Yanmar will act as the reference technical partner and primary supplier of marine engines and propulsion systems for IMOCA Class sailing yachts.

The IMOCA Globe Series Championship operates on a points-based structure that records results across its annual calendar. Skippers earn points according to their race performances and the grade of each race, which may be sailed single-handed, double-handed or with a crew.

Bas Eerden, global sales manager for Yanmar Marine, on the growth of retrofit

Yanmar Marine International (YMI) has embraced the retrofit market. It’s making the most of brand-loyal customers who are avoiding hull…

July 2nd, 2025

• Leisure Marine

Wouter-Jan Van der Wurff, president and CEO at Yanmar Marine International, says: “This is a fantastic partnership for us. We are delighted to support the IMOCA Class, which brings together the world’s most advanced and innovative offshore racing yachts.

“This long-term partnership is based on our cutting-edge engine technology and our global support network. We admire and share the IMOCA Class’s vision. Their approach perfectly aligns with our philosophy of a sustainable future, where humanity and nature thrive together.”

Antoine Mermod, president of the IMOCA Class, adds: “We are very pleased to begin this partnership with Yanmar. We share the same ambition: to combine technological innovation with a responsible vision of offshore racing. Together, we aim to contribute to the evolution of our sport and, more broadly, of the maritime industry.”