Swiss offshore sailor Alan Roura is currently evaluating his future competitive strategy following the conclusion of the 2024 Vendée Globe. The Geneva-born skipper, who completed his third consecutive solo non-stop circumnavigation of the globe, is now in a transition period focused on securing new technical partnerships and defining his next professional objective in the IMOCA class.
Roura finished the 2024-2025 edition of the Vendée Globe in 24th place, crossing the finish line in Les Sables-d’Olonne on February 19, 2025, after 94 days, 16 hours, and 48 minutes at sea, according to official race records. This performance marked his third successful completion of the prestigious solo race, having previously finished in 12th place in 2016 and 17th in 2020. His recent campaign, aboard the IMOCA 60 Hublot, highlighted the ongoing technological evolution within the class, where foil-assisted designs continue to dominate the front of the fleet.
Evaluating the IMOCA Competitive Landscape
The transition period following a Vendée Globe is traditionally marked by a reassessment of equipment and team structure. For Roura, the focus remains on the IMOCA Globe Series, a championship that requires consistent participation in major offshore events such as the Transat Jacques Vabre and the Route du Rhum. According to the IMOCA Class Association, the technical requirements for these boats are increasingly rigorous, demanding significant financial backing to maintain competitive standards in foil development and structural integrity.
Roura’s career has been defined by his early start in the sport; he became the youngest skipper to finish the Vendée Globe during his 2016 debut at age 23. Having now completed three editions, the 32-year-old sailor is part of an elite group of active skippers with extensive experience in the Southern Ocean. His ability to attract long-term sponsors, most notably the luxury watchmaker Hublot, remains a critical component of his operations as he looks toward the next cycle of ocean racing.
Technical Evolution and Future Goals
The challenges facing Roura involve the rapid pace of innovation in naval architecture. Modern IMOCA yachts are designed with increasingly large foils that allow for higher average speeds, yet these gains often come at the expense of boat reliability during long-distance races. As reported by L’Équipe, the 2024 edition tested the endurance of both the skippers and their vessels, with several high-profile retirements due to technical failures. Roura’s ability to manage his vessel throughout the 24,300-nautical-mile course underscores a cautious but effective approach to race management.
While an official announcement regarding his next specific boat or race entry is pending, Roura’s team is expected to focus on optimizing performance metrics. The goal for any top-tier professional sailor in this class is typically the next edition of the Vendée Globe, scheduled for 2028. Participation in the intervening years is essential to secure a spot on the start line, as the entry list is governed by a strict qualification system based on mileage and race results within the IMOCA circuit.
The Road to 2028
The qualification process for future editions of the Vendée Globe is managed by the race organizers and the IMOCA class, with specific requirements for “miles sailed” in official competitions. According to the official race rules, skippers must demonstrate both physical and technical readiness through a series of mandatory qualifying races. For Roura, the immediate future involves maintaining his network of partners and ensuring his technical support team remains intact for the upcoming season.
Offshore racing at this level is a multi-year commitment. Beyond the physical sailing, the business side—securing budgets and managing logistics—often dictates the timeline for new boat construction or refits. Roura has consistently emphasized the importance of team continuity in his previous interviews, noting that the relationship between the sailor, the engineers, and the sponsors is what ultimately enables a successful circumnavigation.
As the international sailing community turns its attention to the next cycle of the Globe Series, stakeholders are watching to see how teams will adapt to potential changes in design rules. Roura’s experience provides him with a strong foundation to navigate these shifts, whether he chooses to continue with his current setup or pursue a new technical direction.
The next official updates from the IMOCA class regarding the 2025 racing calendar are expected in the coming months. Readers interested in following Roura’s next steps can monitor his official social media channels and the IMOCA official website for press releases and team announcements.
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