- Pioneering zero emissions energy system featuring hydrogen fuel cell technology.
- 60-foot foiling IMOCA, a third evolution Manuard design, in construction with Black Pepper Yachts in France.
- Full sailing programme including this year’s Transat Jacques Vabre, 2024 Vendée Globe, 2026 Route du Rhum, and The Ocean Race 2027.
Platform to advance clean technologies for the ocean environment
Phil Sharp, one of Britain’s most competitive and successful ocean racers, has today announced the build of a new zero emission IMOCA ahead of the 2024 Vendée Globe.
This new monohull designed by Manuard is currently under construction at Black Pepper Yachts, a specialist in the construction of high-performance boats. The build is using existing moulds that have been recycled and reworked,
Due to be launched in the summer, the yacht will compete in the IMOCA Globe Series starting with the Transat Jacques Vabre in autumn, followed by a return qualifying race for the Vendée Globe 2024
Managed by Oceanstab, a sustainable sports management company, this new IMOCA will see a unique and innovative ocean racing campagn with the clear aim of demonstrating scalable clean technologies vithin che mantino sector
First hydrogen fuel cell race yacht
The OceansLab IMOCA will also be the first to exclusively use hydrogen fuel cell technology, thanks to a Hydrogen Power Module’, created and developed by the team at Genevos where Sharp, who has a passion for renewable energy innovation, is a co-founder.
MIMOCA race boats are the most innovative and extreme of ocean-going vessels. They are an ideal platform to showcase vital clean technologies, such as hydrogen fuel cells, and prove their durability in the harshest of ocean environments,” says Sharp.
OceansLab will be the first race boat to integrate a hydrogen-electric energy system, technology that Is applicable to a vast range of commencial and recreational vessels. The IMOCA’S zero emission energy system will power all on board energy, in addition to propulsion outside of the races.
*Replacing fossil fuel power with renewable energy solutions is an important step forward not only for our sport, but the entire maritime sector. Ultimately, I am sailing to win races, while also proving that by using the latest clean technologies, this can be done with zero emissions,” states Sharp.
As well as hydrogen fuel cell technology. OceansLab will also be demonstrating how other crucial Clean innovations, such as recyclable composite materials and solar PV, can perform together to create an eco-efficient yacht.
“In order to meet climate change targets we need to start developing zero emission vessels across the entire maritime sector, today. This campaign will be an important benchmark in demonstrating that practical hydrogen solutions now exist that are ready to be embraced at scale,” he concludes.
Oceanstab will be competing in the MOCA Globe series grand slar events including transatlantic races, the Transat Jacques Vabre and Route Rhum, and major round the worid races, the Vendée Globe and The Ocean Race:
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Sharp has achieved over 25 podiums in transatiantic and coastal racing, as well as winning two offshore championships and breaking tore world Sailing Speed Records
