The final of the "Mass Transport" category opposed the Swiss and French polytechnics. The École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) won with 3 points to 1. The Swiss team presented a 200 kg weighted semi-submersible that completed a lap of the course in record time. While the French boat was better on the course, it is its constant high speed that imposed it as the winner.
The French Polytechnic students took their revenge in the "Light Transport" category. As in the previous round, the students from the University of Paris Saclay were up against a Swiss team. Just like the Swiss from the Haute École d'Ingénierie de Fribourg, the French presented a hydrofoil catamaran, fast and stable in flight. The two teams competed throughout the week.
On the paddocks, but also in the water, the teams who participated for the second time were clearly at an advantage. Indeed, they were able to benefit from the experience they had acquired to develop successful projects. A way of proving that innovation requires a lot of work, research, testing and adjustments.
Innovative ideas
The Hydrocontest 2015 brought to light innovative ideas. Thus, among the best innovative proposals in terms of industrial application, ENSM Marseille designed a swath, a quasi-submersible boat, ultra accomplished. The torpedo holding the load can rise and fall according to the load on board and the draught. In the industry, this would facilitate loading, but also allow access to ports with less funds.
The materials used for construction were also honored to ensure an eco-responsible approach. Thus, ENSM Le Havre, Arts & Métiers Lille, Polytechnique and ENSM Marseille have developed boats made of natural and recyclable materials such as flax or jute fiber, with the help of various suppliers such as Arkema, Gold of Bengal and Kairos, the company of Roland Jourdain, a renowned sailor and one of the sponsors of the event.
The appointment is already given in 2016 to engineering and architecture schools from all over the world, as well as to decision makers of the international nautical and maritime industry for the 3rd edition of the Hydrocontest.
