On February 18, 2025, 29-year-old skipper Elodie Bonafous took her ambitious leap toward the Vendée Globe 2028 by launching her cutting-edge Imoca, temporarily named Horizon 29, at the MerConcept shipyard in Concarneau, Brittany. This marked not just the inception of her latest sailing vessel but also symbolized the dawn of her formidable challenge against some of the world's most treacherous oceans.
The launch event, embraced by cool weather, was graced by numerous spectators who gathered to witness the momentous occasion, heightened by the pulsations of electronic music and dramatic smoke. Bonafous's new Imoca, which promises high performance, mirrors the design of the successful Macif - Santé Prévoyance, helmed by her competitor Charlie Dalin. The original boat recently triumphed at the Vendée Globe, setting the stage for intense competition.
Bonafous expressed her emotions, stating, "It's a very strong moment for the whole team. Seeing this boat touch the water after months of work is a great emotion. Now, it's time for navigation and scaling up!" Her excitement reverberated through the crowd, showcasing the passion and dedication poured over 50,000 hours of effort to bring this project to life.
Constructed with insights gained from prior Vendée Globe competitions, Horizon 29 integrates state-of-the-art innovations intended to achieve speed, robustness, and adaptability to extreme marine conditions. According to Bertrand Queguiner, the Team Manager of Horizon 29, "The Vendée Globe 2024 showed excellence and technology were key to sports performance. To launch this Vendée Globe 2028 campaign, I needed experts to give Elodie the best chances." This commitment to operational excellence provides Bonafous with the best tools for her venture.
The launch also celebrates the expertise of the MerConcept team, whose commitment was evident throughout the construction process. Queguiner, reflecting on the construction's inception during the Route du Rhum 2022, shared, "When I met MerConcept and discovered I could have the same boat as Dalin, I didn't even need to see the plans. I knew it would be a great vessel." His faith highlights the shared vision and talent behind the team.
Bonafous is no stranger to high-stakes competition, having honed her skills on the grueling Figaro circuit, where her strategic instincts shined. Her transition to the Imoca class serves as both a challenge and an opportunity, as she seeks to amplify her accomplishments on the water. "Née au bord de la mer et bercée par les vents de la Baie de Morlaix, Élodie Bonafous incarne la nouvelle génération des marins bretons. Repérée très tôt par la Filière d’excellence Bretagne CMB," remarks her team, cementing her status as one of Brittany's rising stars.
Discussing the emotional ties to her sailing career, Bonafous recalls, "I started with him. He is the first person who developed my competitive spirit." Referring to Marco, her first trainer, whose guidance laid the foundation of her passion for sailing, Bonafous acknowledged the importance of her roots during the launch ceremony.
The events surrounding Horizon 29 mark just the beginning of what Bonafous hopes will be her path toward the Vendée Globe 2028. The coming years will feature intensive training and competitions, providing her the chance to refine her skills and test her vessel against formidable foes. From the Transat Café L'Or 2025 to the Route du Rhum - Destination Guadeloupe 2026, every race is pivotal as she prepares for the ultimate sailing challenge.
With her eyes set firmly on the horizon, Elodie Bonafous is not merely chasing success—she is intent on making her mark on the storied history of the Vendée Globe. The confluence of passion, strategy, and technical excellence will define her expedition, and as she embarks on her maritime adventure, anticipation swells within the sailing community for what lies ahead.