In response to the growing success of its filamentary membrane, the DFi®, the sailmaker Incidence has invested €1.2 million to increase its membrane production capacity by 45%. The membranes are manufactured in France at Incidence Technologies in La Rochelle. This new production capacity of 45,000 m2 per year is designed to meet the growing demand from the superyacht and ocean racing markets, with 14 IMOCA boats equipped with Incidence Sails that will be racing in the next Vendée Globe.
12,000 m2 were produced in 2016; 31,000 m2 in 2023 (including 17,000 m2 of DFi®): the two types of Incidence* membranes, the D4® and the DFi® are enjoying growing success. And there’s more to come.
To meet this growing demand, Incidence has invested €1.2m and increased Incidence Technologies’ production capacity by 45%.
Until now, 30,000 m2 of membranes were manufactured every year with 2 production lines (with 2 teams working 2 x 7-hour shifts).
Since January 2024, 3 lines have been operational: two of them entirely dedicated to the DFi® and a new one created for the D4®. Incidence Technologies now has an overall production capacity of 45,000 m2 per year.
A unique tool in Europe
Yannick Richomme, Chairman of Incidence: « Our delivery times had become too important, especially at this time when new ocean racing teams are relying on us for the next Vendée Globe.
This new investment will enable Incidence to keep pace with market developments and the success of DFi®, both in ocean racing and Super Yachts industries.
With its unique technology of filamentary membrane and 3 DFi® and D4® production lines, Incidence Technologies has no equivalent in Europe ».
Incidence is back
As Ronan Floch from Incidence’s design office analysed last December: « The DFi® is clearly a French industrial success story. The last Transat Jacques Vabre marked a turning point for the sailmaker. It really has confirmed a feeling we had during the last Route du Rhum and the Ocean Race: our technical choices and our specifications are in line with the new generations of boats.
With abnegation and determination, we have succeeded in developing an extraordinary technical tool with the DFi®. Of course, we remain clear-headed for the future, as this is a mechanical sport and we have to focus on maintaining a high level of reliability and performance ».
____________________________
* Incidence membranes: In 2013, Incidence bought the D4® membrane production unit from Dimension Polyant and has been developing it successfully ever since. This film/film membrane is an excellent compromise between performance, durability and price.
The DFi® filamentary membrane was designed in 2015 by Incidence. Its durability and shape retention are unequalled to this day.
A brief Overview of Incidence
Sails and membranes are manufactured in France/ short supply chain.
Local service available in the Atlantic, Channel and Mediterranean, with 6 sail lofts and 4 design offices.
A committed team that listens to client needs.
Partnerships based on listening, quality standards and trust, with both major construction sites/shipyards and the new generation of shipbuilders.
An exceptional track record.
France’s leading sailmaker.
Ocean racing: they have chosen Incidence
Route du Rhum 2022: 29 boats including 18 Class40s and 7 IMOCA
Transat Jacques Vabre 2023: 39 boats including 24 Class40’s and 11 IMOCA
Vendée Globe 2024: 14 boats (IMOCA)
In other words, the number of IMOCA boats has doubled in the last 2 years.
Incidence in figures
200 employees
6 Sail lofts: La Rochelle – Brest – Toulon – Lorient – La Trinité/mer – Mauguio
4 design offices: La Rochelle – Brest – La Trinité-sur-mer – Mauguio
1 unique membrane production unit in Europe: Incidence Technologies
45,000 m2 of membranes produced every year
Turnover in 2023 : 26 millions
Photo credits
Incidence Technologies : ©Bernard Le Bars
IMOCA fleat : © Jean-Marie LIOT / AleA / Transat Jacques Vabre
Contact : yannick.richomme@incidence-sails.com
