Yanmar Signs Long-Term Agreement with IMOCA as Official Technical Partner

Yanmar announces a long-term strategic partnership with the International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA). Beginning in 2025, the company will become the official technical partner of the IMOCA Class.

As part of this agreement, Yanmar becomes the reference technical partner and the main supplier of next-generation marine engines and propulsion systems for IMOCA Class sailing yachts.

This partnership strengthens Yanmar’s position as a global leader in the marine propulsion systems market, whose reliability and technical support have proven their value worldwide.

The annual IMOCA Globe Series Championship is based on a points system that rewards consistency and excellence. Through this ranking, skippers accumulate points throughout the year based on their performances in the IMOCA Globe Series races and the grade of each race, whether sailed single-handed, double-handed, or with a crew.

Today, IMOCA aims to drive meaningful change within the sailing world. Its mission is to foster progress not only within the IMOCA community but across offshore racing and the broader nautical discipline. This commitment to ocean protection and responsible practices is now well established, supported by concrete initiatives and strong collaboration with industry partners.

These values are fully shared by Yanmar, which has set itself the objective of becoming an environmentally neutral company, free of greenhouse gas emissions and based on the use of recyclable resources, as part of the Yanmar Green Challenge 2050.

Wouter-Jan Van der Wurff, President and CEO at YANMAR Marine International, said: “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, said: “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.”

About YANMAR Marine International

YANMAR Marine International (YMI) is driven to create innovative, environmentally responsible marine propulsion solutions through the exploration and progression of advanced technologies. With sustainability at its heart, the YMI mission is to meet the evolving needs of its customers as a trusted partner, supplying cutting-edge products and systems which enhance our customers experiences.

The sustainable solutions from YMI are built to help customers take the next step on their journey to minimize their CO2 footprint, while fulfilling their appetite for life[1]affirming adventure on the water and requirements for onboard comfort. YMI continues to grow its network of service centers worldwide, providing quick and reliable support in over 130 countries.

Based in the Netherlands, YMI is incorporated within YANMAR’s global operations and forms part of the Marine Recreational Business Unit, one of seven rapidly expanding business domains that span land and sea. With a comprehensive portfolio of products, services, and expertise, the Marine Recreational Business Unit delivers total solutions as a leading engine and equipment manufacturer and includes YANMAR, Vetus, Maxwell, Flexofold and Smartgyro.

With its beginnings in Osaka, Japan in 1912, YANMAR is driven by its founding mission to benefit mankind and by a pioneering spirit for world-leading technology. Its offerings include small and large engines, agricultural machinery, construction equipment, energy systems, marine engines, machine tools, components, and advanced facilities.

About IMOCA

Created in 1991, the International Monohull Open Class Association (IMOCA) is the organization that governs the class of 60-foot monohulls used in the world’s greatest offshore races, whether single-handed or crewed.

Based in France but internationally recognized, the IMOCA Class is dedicated to promoting safety, sporting fairness, and technological innovation, while driving a meaningful movement toward sustainable change in the maritime world.

It organizes the IMOCA Globe Series Championship, a global circuit that groups races by grade and establishes the official skipper ranking over a four-year cycle, notably including the Vendée Globe and The Ocean Race.

The IMOCA Class brings together skippers, teams, designers, and partners around a shared vision: a discipline that is high-performance, responsible, and future-oriented.

Learn more: www.imoca.org