Our Work
From hull damage to bow repairs or complex structural reinforcements, at Rocket Offshore we combine advanced techniques with the speed demanded by competitive sailing.
From hull damage to bow repairs or complex structural reinforcements, at Rocket Offshore we combine advanced techniques with the speed demanded by competitive sailing.
TEAM DUBREUIL – IMOCA 60
Full Composite & Paint Refit – High-Performance Optimization
Over a two-week period, Rocket’s team carried out a complete restoration and optimization of the IMOCA 60 Groupe Dubreuil.
This project combined structural composite repairs, full paint refinishing, foil reconstruction, and sponsor redesign, delivering a yacht fully optimized for top-level offshore competition.
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Scope of Work
• Composite Structural Repairs
• Mast fairing rebuilt with custom molds for precise geometry
• Cockpit aft bulkhead: removal of damaged skins and core, replacement with high-performance foam core, re-lamination for durability
• Hull stringers: reinforcement and monolithic area repairs to restore full structural integrity
• Keel support: removal of upper chainplate, preparation, and reinforcement to ensure long-term reliability
• Aft hull core replacement: old Nomex removed, replaced with M130 foam core, re-laminated with vacuum-sealed base laminate
• Foil & Appendage Work
• High-performance preparation of appendages
• Complete reshaping and structural reconstruction of a foil after impact
• Full Paint Job & Redesign
• Entire hull, deck, cockpit (interior and exterior) stripped down to carbon fiber, minimizing old paint weight
• Complete repainting with ultra-light racing paint system
• Sponsor graphics fully redesigned for a new, striking identity
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Result
The result is a lighter, stronger, and faster IMOCA 60, visually transformed and technically optimized to perform at the highest level of offshore racing.
Rocket delivered not just a refit, but a complete rebirth of the yacht, ready for the challenges ahead.
GUYOT ENVIRONNEMENT – IMOCA 60
Composite Repairs & Full Paint Refit
Phase 1 – Advanced Composite Repair
Rocket was commissioned to repair the forward lateral deck of the IMOCA 60 Guyot Environnement.
This highly technical work included:
• Resolving core compression and skin delamination
• Removal and rebuild of the J1 chainplate base (a critical load-bearing rigging component)
• Precision mold machining in MDF for perfect reconstruction of the damaged section
• Wet layup lamination with vacuum bonding for maximum strength and durability
• Assembly and alignment of fabricated parts with the hull structure
• 3D scanning to ensure flawless integration of the new components with the original geometry
This process restored full structural integrity to one of the most demanding areas of the yacht.
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Phase 2 – Coach Roof Modification & Complete Paint Job
Building on the structural work, Rocket led a full coach roof rebuild and complete paint refit of the yacht:
• Mast reinforcements on chainplates with local vacuum-cured laminations
• New antenna base support, designed and laminated from custom molds
• Coach roof modification: reshaping of front lateral windows, extension of aft bridge, installation of two new hatches
• Construction & installation of a new coach roof, including core bonding, inner/outer skins, rebates for windows, and full integration with the existing structure
• Filling & fairing to racing standards before paint
Full painting scope included:
• Complete hull, deck, cockpit, and appendages
• Black high-performance finish on coach roof and cockpit walls
• Satin varnish on upper hull and waterline
• Hexagonal vinyl integrated non-skid on deck
• Antifouling and detailing of foils and keel
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Result
Through this two-phase program, Rocket transformed Guyot Environnement into a lighter, structurally optimized, and visually renewed IMOCA 60, fully prepared for the Vendée Globe campaign.
INITIATIVES CŒUR – IMOCA 60
Mast Reinforcement Project
Overview
In January 2024, Rocket’s team carried out a mast reinforcement program on the IMOCA 60 Initiatives Cœur, following IMOCA Class recommendations.
The project focused on strengthening the mast chainplates, ensuring maximum reliability and durability under the extreme loads of offshore racing.
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Step-by-Step Process
• Surface Preparation: Sanded and stripped chainplates of paint, preparing surfaces for composite bonding
• Composite Lamination: Applied dry carbon fiber patches in two precise stages to optimize adhesion and load transfer
• Vacuum Bonding: All reinforcements cured under vacuum to guarantee strength and consistency
• Epoxy Bonding: Rubber-toughened epoxy resin used to reattach composite cups with maximum security
• Finishing: Reinforcements sanded and cleaned, leaving the mast ready for paint and racing preparation
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Result
The reinforcement program delivered a robust, competition-ready mast, ensuring Initiatives Cœur maintains the structural integrity and reliability demanded by IMOCA’s offshore racing campaigns.
Composite Restoration of a Vendée Globe Legend
Overview
Rocket proudly undertook the ambitious restoration of Écureuil d’Aquitaine II, the legendary yacht that made history in the inaugural Vendée Globe.
With meticulous attention to composite detail, we combined heritage preservation with modern performance upgrades, preparing this iconic vessel for new adventures.
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Project Highlights
• Full deck layout modifications to improve maneuverability and rigging efficiency
• Structural composite repairs on bow and mast base for strength and durability
• Modernized cabin panels and flanks, blending tradition with functionality
• Custom carbon fiber replacements and reinforcements across critical areas
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Step-by-Step Work
• Deck Layout Optimization: Custom carbon molds and reinforcements improved handling systems while preserving original design lines.
• Deck Panels: Damaged panels were cut out, replaced, and re-laminated with precision to ensure strength and a flawless finish.
• Mast Base Reinforcement: Composite rebuild strengthened the mast base and optimized load transfer.
• Cabin Panels & Flanks: New composite panels fitted for durability and integrated seamlessly into the existing structure.
• Bow Reconstruction: Accurate molds restored the bow’s hydrodynamic shape and reinforced structural integrity.
• Anchor Locker Upgrade: New panels and covers built in composites to ensure functionality and long-lasting reliability.
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Result
The restoration of Écureuil d’Aquitaine II stands as a tribute to offshore racing heritage while ensuring modern performance standards.
Thanks to Rocket’s expertise in composites, this Vendée Globe legend is now reborn and ready to sail into a new era.
