Ready to launch “OceansLab,” the world’s first hydrogen-powered Imoca
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After about 8 months of work is now in the home stretch the construction of the new zero-emission, hydrogen-powered Imoca “OceansLab.” Enthusiastic British skipper Phil Sharp, who will make the Vendée Globe with this monotype.
The world of sailing competitions has always been an ideal laboratory for experimenting and testing innovative solutions involving design, as well as on-board energy management. And just on the subject of sustainability and environmental protection, the new nautical applications of hydrogen power also enter into this process.
Among the most interesting projects on this front is the new zero-emission, hydrogen-powered Imoca “OceansLab” by British skipper Phil Sharp. It is for all intents and purposes the first racing sailboat to integrate a hydrogen power system. And with this “green” technology it will participate in the Vendée Globe 2024.
Long and painstaking site work
Construction of the one-design “Oceanslab” with structural assembly of deck and hull was completed at the Pauger Carbon Composites shipyard in La Rochelle, France. After positioning the ring frames with pinpoint accuracy, the hull of this revolutionary zero-emission racing yacht was carefully removed from the frame. Then 20 bulkheads and other support structures made of pre-molded carbon epoxy with a nomex core were installed.
In parallel, in June and July, the construction of the integrated deck and cockpit was carried out, which took a full two months of work from start to finish. After that, the construction team focused on the foil supports and the keel support. An important part was the installation of rigging systems and all deck equipment.
First race for Sharp: solo Atlantic
The Imoca “OceansLab” will now be transferred shortly to the Black Pepper Yachts shipyard in Nantes to complete the final, most delicate outfitting with the installation by Genevos, a specialist in hydrogen integration, of the fuel systems. “This is a very important milestone for the whole team,” said Phil Sharp, “especially for the structural construction team at Pauger Carbon Composites, who built the project.
Once completed and launched, “OceansLab” will participate in the new transatlantic solo regatta “Retour à la Base,” which will start from Fort-de-France, Martinique on Nov. 26 and will have a finish line in Lorient, France. In addition to serving as a qualifying event for the 2024 Vendée Globe, the race is also part of a fair trade program to transport goods across the Atlantic under sail
“This transatlantic race will be my first ever solo race on an Imoca,” explains Phil Sharp, “and I am excited to compete not only because of the importance of completing the race and qualifying for the Vendée Globe, but also because of the enormous personal challenge of racing such an innovative boat that is destined to open the field to hydrogen-based solutions in racing and cruising sailing.
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