Catherine Chabaud In association with Julian Stone, co-founder of the Econav network, has set up a collaborative industrial project related to the sustainable management of the oceans, the Voilier du Futur (Sailboat of the Future). This 17-metre catamaran will be an eco-innovative, clean, energy self-sufficient and recyclable demonstrator. With a launch planned for 2018, it will be the result of the first federating eco-design approach within the nautical sector.
Launched 2 years ago thanks to the support of regional institutions, this project of the association Innovations Bleues, is today in search of participatory financing in order to go further in the research and to serve as an engine for the research already carried out for a more respectful navigation.
The Voilier du Futur project brings together 17 SMEs and 5 research centres working on seven families of eco-technologies:
1 ? Eco-design Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) : Global Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
2 ? Biomaterials : Mainly bio-composite materials (hull, deck, fittings, rope)
3 ? Renewable Energies : Hydrogenerator integrated in the hull / Specific cruising batteries / Route software to optimize performance / Low consumption autopilot.
4 ? Propulsion : electric propulsion / Innovative "rigid wing" rigging
5 ? Waste and effluents : 100% biodegradable antifouling paint / Packaging compactor, waste
6 ? Participatory Science Autonomous oceanographic data collector for recreational boaters
7 ? Safety on board / Man overboard device Future lifesaver with integrated geolocation device and automatic alarm.
Bringing together sea enthusiasts for a collaborative project
The Voilier du Futur project has already received the first public funding but it needs yachting and ocean lovers who share the same convictions as this project.
Catherine Chabaud explains, "Today we have to respond to environmental, economic and societal challenges that we did not think about 20, 30 or 40 years ago. What to do with products that are reaching the end of their life, where to find raw materials when these diminish, how to reduce land, air and ocean pollution, in short, how to combine development and preservation of our planet? These questions have become important to yachting enthusiasts, who are increasingly aware of the ecological impact of their passion on the environment. As a laboratory unit, the Sailboat of the Future was born to provide a global response to these questions with the support of the State, the Regions, private partners and nowadays private individuals, via our participative subscription on KissKissBankBankBank. The innovations developed on the Voilier du Futur will also have wider outlets in the maritime sector (fishing, small boats, maritime transport) or in other sectors (automotive, isolated housing, composite industries)..."
Discover in the video below, the presentation of the project and if you wish to support the Voilier du Futur project, go to the bottom link.
