Why the 48 hour Defi Azimut mattered for the IMOCA scene

A new IMOCA cycle is underway and the Défi Azimut offered the first real glimpse of what could be coming. With new boats, heavily modified machines and some of offshore sailing’s biggest names lining up in Lorient, the 2026 Défi Azimut was far more than a showcase. The event began with the spectacular speed runs, where the 17-boat fleet completed 80 runs in just three hours. Sam Goodchild and MACIF Santé Prévoyance topped the rankings with an extraordinary average of 32.1 knots over the one-mile course — a new event record. Then came the main test: a 560-mile solo race into the Bay of Biscay. Goodchild once again set the pace, battling Ambrogio Beccaria, Jérémie Beyou, Corentin Horeau, Violette Dorange and a fleet packed with new and updated IMOCAs. After one day and 14 hours at sea, Goodchild crossed the finish line first before completing a dominant Défi Azimut with another victory in the Tour de Groix. But behind the results lies a bigger story. With the 2028 Vendée Globe cycle now underway and the Route du Rhum approaching, new boats, new names and a changing IMOCA pecking order are beginning to emerge. This is what the Défi Azimut revealed about the fleet — and why this short, intense event matters far beyond Lorient. 00:00 Why This 48-Hour Race Matters 01:47 IMOCA Speed Runs 02:56 Sam Goodchild Sets a New Record 03:50 560 Miles Solo in the Atlantic 05:18 The Race Turns Tactical 07:01 Winners, Rivals and What’s Next Facebook - @planetsail.org Website - www.planetsail.co.uk Linkedin - www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-sheahan Instagram - matthewsheahan