Vendée Globe 2028 – Justine Mettraux to line up aboard a new Verdier design: TeamWork – Team Snef

Since partnering with Justine Mettraux in 2024, long-time sponsor TeamWork and new co-sponsor Groupe Snef have decided to launch the build of a brand new IMOCA. It is aboard this Guillaume Verdier-designed yacht, tailor-made for the Swiss sailor, that Justine will take on the next Vendée Globe. Construction will begin in April 2026 at CDK Technologies in Brittany, with a launch scheduled for spring 2027.

Never say “never”!
That was Justine Mettraux’s cautious message upon completing her first Vendée Globe in a remarkable eighth place on January 25. Alongside the satisfaction of a job well done, there was a mix of emotions: relief after a grueling finish, pride in being the first woman to step ashore… and a clear desire to keep all options open for the future.

While her 2025 season alongside Xavier Macaire aboard her current VPLP design had already been confirmed pre-Vendée Globe and could have been the final chapter, her partners had other plans. Driven by the momentum of the adventure, TeamWork and Groupe Snef saw a continuation of the story not as a duty, but as an exciting new challenge.

 

The logical next step
Both TeamWork and Groupe Snef, passionate about technology and innovation, were eager to build a project that reflects their shared values: bold, high-performance, and deeply committed. Their goal? To give Justine the best possible shot at a podium finish in 2028.

“Building an IMOCA is a huge challenge — it’s not something that comes along ten times in a career. Setting off on another Vendée Globe with more sporting ambition and the trust of such committed partners is a privilege. I know how lucky I am,” Justine said.

The team’s ambition to push innovation even further naturally led them to Guillaume Verdier. “I got to know Guillaume during my time with 11th Hour Racing Team. His track record — not just in IMOCA — speaks for itself, as does the strength of his team,” Justine explained.

As for the shipyard, CDK’s experience in Lorient and its proximity — ideal for closely following the construction process — were key factors. CDK, incidentally, built the last two BeYou Racing boats, a team with which TeamWork – Team Snef hopes to continue its fruitful collaboration, which began with the acquisition of Charal 1 in 2022.

A sharp skipper, an insightful eye
With a packed 2025 racing season ahead, Justine will be supported in the design phase of the new IMOCA by Nicolas Andrieu, head of BeYou Racing’s design office, and Simone Gaëta, TeamWork – Team Snef’s technical director.
“I have my own ideas,” Justine says. “I’m not an architect or engineer, but I’ve had the chance to race on many IMOCA boats — that’s invaluable experience.”

In the meantime, Justine will stay active on the water throughout 2025, starting with a full season alongside Xavier Macaire aboard TeamWork – Team Snef, with the Transat Café L’Or as the highlight of the season. She’ll also be sailing with Team Malizia, taking part in The Ocean Race Europe this summer.

Source: @Teamwork-imoca.com