World Sailing launch Challenge 2024
World Sailing, the world governing body of the
sport, have set an ambitious challenge to the marine industry to push the
boundaries of low carbon innovation for support boats at international events. Titled
Challenge 2024 and announced at Monaco Yacht Club’s Solar and Energy Boat
Challenge, it is closely linked to World Sailing’s Sustainability Agenda 2030
targets.
The targets are linked to the use of coach and support boats with the aim to:
· Reduce
the number of coach boats with combustion engines by 50% (vs 2017) that are
allowed at World Sailing organized Olympic Class events by 2024. This will be
safety dependent;
· Specify
that all official boats (safety dependent) used at World Sailing organized Olympic
Class events will not be solely reliant on fossil fuels for propulsion by 2025.
Scott Over, World Sailing’s Commercial Director, presented at the Solar and
Energy Boat event, presenting a business and environmental case for a shift
from traditional combustion engines on support boats. Research has shown that
the emissions from fuel used at World Sailing’s events accounted for almost 30%
of its overall carbon footprint. Over presented alongside Formula E who have
accelerated investment from the automotive sector in electric technologies. The
aim is that this model can be applied to the wider marine industry, not just
World Sailing events so similar boats can be utilised for rescue and
recreational activities.
Challenge 2024 parameters are based on data collected by World Sailing and its
partners along with research from leading marine institutions such as
Southampton University and TU Delft. The parameters for the desired boat
include:
· RIB to be approximately 6 metres
· Non-combustible engine
· Version designed to be shipped – stackable with a removable
console
· An eight hour range with an average speed of 10 knots and maximum
of 30 knots
· Life cycle assessment to be applied to the build
· Affordable
Dan Reading, World Sailing’s Head of Sustainability, commented, “We want to
challenge the industry to provide solutions that will reduce the carbon
footprint and running costs of support boats at sailing events. Our members
have agreed policy changes to reduce the number of support boats at our events
but we also want to encourage a low carbon fleet developed that are accessible
to all.
“Looking at the whole Life Cycle Analysis is an essential part of the puzzle
and drawing on research we feel confident that solutions will be in place by
2024.
“We are encouraged that the Dutch sailing team have already expressed their
bold commitment to use zero emission RIBs in the 2022 World Championships in
The Hague. We also share an ambition with Paris 2024 and will be working
together on how we can both help with the transition to low carbon support
boats.
“Adding further momentum to this challenge and contributing to World Sailing’s
Sustainability Agenda 2030 is SailGP who recently released an FRP detailing
their ambition to source hybrid boats for a range of purposes.
“Challenge 2024 is one of the initiatives that World Sailing is delivering in
line with its participation in the UN Climate Change’s Sport and Climate Action
Framework along with other sport events such the IOC, Paris 2024, World Surf
League, SailGP and all the tennis grand slams.”
Georgina Grenon, Director of Environmental Excellence at Paris 2024, commented,
“Paris 2024 is engaged in delivering a fully carbon neutral Olympic and
Paralympic Games. The Organizing Committee is seeking innovative solutions that
will contribute to reduce the Climate and Environmental impact of sports
activities, and reducing the use of combustion engines is clearly a target. An
important first step in that direction has started in July 2019, with the
launch (in collaboration with the French State) of a call for projects to
replace diesel-generators with eco-generators for provision of temporary and
back up electricity services. Naturally, land transport fleets for the Olympic
family and support fleets for water sports should follow.”
Boat builders, engineers and any other experts within the field are requested
to contact Dan Reading, Head of Sustainability, at Dan.Reading@sailing.org.
Sustainability Agenda 2030
Ratified at World Sailing's 2018 Mid-Year meeting in London, World Sailing's
Sustainability Agenda 2030 outlines how the sport will contribute to the United
Nation's Sustainable Development Goals. The Sustainability Agenda 2030 is split
up into World Sailing's six main operational areas with a total of 56 different
targets. The targets range from participation to gender equality, water quality
to single use plastic.
Supported by the International Olympic Committee and World Sailing's partners,
delivery of the Sustainability Agenda 2030 will be ongoing with various
timeframes for achievement of the targets.