Simrad® technology is increasingly at the service of research and innovative solutions for sustainable mobility.
In fact, the marine electronics and navigation brand is launching a collaboration with UniBoAT, a training and research project of the University of Bologna, starring Futura, a single-seater racing catamaran.
This boat is based on a propulsion system that integrates several energy sources (all with zero C02 emissions) to power an outboard electric motor.
Simrad Yachting will install the Outboard Pilot Cable-Steer Pack device on the Futura, which will allow implementation of the rudder by optimizing the autonomous driving system designed by the UniBoAT team. The goal is the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2022 competition, which will be held at the Yacht Club of Monaco next July.
Sustainability is the keyword
The boat demonstrates that the key to sustainable mobility is given by a mix of “green” technologies all available today: high-pressure hydrogen, lithium batteries and solar panels.
Last July the boat had already participated in the competition in the Principality of Monaco and had won all the challenges (one endurance race of 16 mn, one of “slalom”, one of “speed-record” and one challenge-race) in the category Energy Class.
UniBoAT ranked first in both energy-class competitions and tech talk, a presentation in which each team had to describe their project and the innovations developed to a jury of technicians.
Also in 2021, the project was awarded the special prize for innovation of the Design Innovation Award, during the Genoa Boat Show in September.
A great partership for the nautical sustainability
“The UniBoAT project embodies the values and philosophy that have always guided Simrad Yachting in the choice of its partners. Innovation and cutting-edge technology at the service of those who surf, with a view to sustainability and attention to the environment.
This is why we enthusiastically welcomed and embraced the proposal of the team that is successfully developing Futura ”, comments Roberto Sesenna, country manager of Navico Italia.
“We believe that the support of companies such as Simrad Yachting is essential to develop the knowledge of students, who face a training path based on the learning by doing methodology“, replies Leonardo Mengozzi Team Leader of UniBoAT and student of economics and management at Unibo.
He adds: “Sustainability and innovation are two objectives that must go hand in hand, and are the foundations on which we design and build Futura“.
