IMOCA joins FICO

Open 60 class is now invited to the party

IMOCA, the International Monohull Open 60 Class Association is to become a full member of the Forum International de la Course Océanique (FICO). The news comes following FICO's General Meeting in Paris on 15 April. FICO is an association of race organisers including the Royal Western YC and Volvo in the UK as well as most of their French equivalents. Around Alone was last year brought into the fold and the Open 60 class assocation the newest recruit. Aside from writing rules for many of the classes such as the 60ft trimarans, FICO also run a rolling two year championship for skippers and crews.

FICO Chairman Pierre Fehlmann commented: "It emphasises the interest of organisers and competitors alike for the Association's objectives, especially those related to improving safety regulations for oceanic races and fine-tuning the international racing calendar!"

IMOCA is currently headed by Sill skipper Roland Jourdain, while Offshore Challenges' Mark Turner is acting as Secretary.