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In May 2026, Toulon will play host to an event that could well prove to be a great help to regatta sailors. Alongside the classic sailboats of the Toulon Provence Regatta, a new kind of competition will take place: the Battleboats. These regattas will pit model sailboat drones against each other, equipped with autonomous navigation systems and assisted by artificial intelligence. An initiative designed to question, test and perhaps reinvent the way we race sailboats.
A hybrid race format, between play and regulated sailing
Three types of regatta will be organized: a regulatory regatta inspired by ISAF rules, a "gaming" regatta with tactical option courses, and a version where contact is authorized. The challenge is as much technological as it is edutainment. Each drone sailboat will have to deal with the constraints of priority, race tactics and technical creativity. All the while respecting environmental and safety standards.
Strict technical rules for maximum fairness
The rules impose a maximum budget of ?10,000 ex VAT, a length of less than 2.70 meters, and power sources limited to batteries, springs, compressed air or gravitational energy. The AI can manage trajectories, heel or heading, with a remote control that remains authorized in the event of failure, or to get to a starting line. Each team must present a complete technical file, validated by a jury before the start.
An ambitious technical goal: to create a virtual tactician
The heart of the Battleboats project lies in the development of a "virtual tactician". Using an on-board sensor system, the drones should be able to navigate their course autonomously, taking into account wind direction and strength, ISAF priority rules, and the position of competitors. Artificial intelligence is therefore at the heart of piloting, for both strategy and pure navigation.
Who are the participants and for whom is this event intended?
Open to schools, companies, public bodies, clubs and individuals, the competition seeks to cross-fertilize expertise. The aim is to create a dialogue between nautical know-how and programming. Participants will range from high-school engineering students to marine robotics start-ups and members of radio-controlled sailing clubs. RC model boat enthusiasts and students currently make up the bulk of pre-registrants.
Professional challenges: a springboard for embedded technologies
Battleboats aren't just for fun. This competition could become a testing ground for onboard decision support systems. The target: virtual tacticians, who could assist crews in classic regattas or in major races such as the America's Cup. The initiative is also supported by the French defense procurement agency (DGA), a sign that the applications go beyond the purely recreational sphere.
Well-organized logistics to welcome teams
Registration is open until May 8, 2026, with an entry fee of 100 euros per drone. A training course will be available the day before. The regattas will take place on May 9, 2026, followed by a prize-giving ceremony on May 10. The race zone, marked by buoys, will be set up around the Mourillon beach and Fort Saint-Louis. Giant screens and trackers will enable the regattas to be followed in real time.
