A 3rd IMOCA built by Black Pepper
We finally know the buyer of the third Manuard design built by Black Pepper after L'Occitane en Provence, now Bureau Vallée 3 and the new Initiatives-Coeur. It is the British sailor Phil Sharp who will sail on board the IMOCA OceansLab a sustainable sports management company, for the Vendée Globe 2024. The launch of this new boat is scheduled for the summer of 2023.
An IMOCA with a hydrogen fuel cell
Even though it is based on the same design as the previous models, technical modifications will be made to the boat, particularly to the shape of the hull. To limit the carbon impact, all of the boat's molds have been made by recycling and reworking old molds. Many parts will be built from bio-sourced materials. Finally, the energy on board will be supplied exclusively by a hydrogen fuel cell. This is the "Hydrogen Power Module", created and developed by the Genevos team, of which Philippe Sharp is one of the co-founders.
Phil Sharp states: " Replacing fossil fuel-based energy with renewable energy solutions is a critical step not only in our sport, but in the entire maritime sector. I sail to win races, but more importantly, I sail to prove that by using the latest clean technologies, we can win without emitting any emissions. IMOCA racing yachts are the most innovative and exceptional ocean-going boats. They are an ideal platform to showcase essential clean technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, while proving their durability in the harshest environments oceanic."
The IMOCA Ocean's Lab will be the first racing boat to incorporate a hydrogen electric power system, a technology available for commercial boats and yachts. This zero-emission system will provide all the energy on board, in addition to propelling the boat when not racing. In addition, OceansLab will demonstrate how other clean energy innovations, such as recyclable composite materials and solar photovoltaic panels, can work together.
Three years to come under the colors of OceansLab
Phil Sharp will participate in the IMOCA circuit with a Transat Jacques Vabre 2023 as a first. This will be followed by the Vendée Globe 2024, the Route du Rhum 2026 and The Ocean Race 2027. The British skipper already has 25 podium finishes to his credit, two Class 40 world championship titles and three world speed records.
