Contagious enthusiasm and a lovely spring day characterized the first edition of the PoliMi Nautical Hub, an event dedicated to technological innovation and sustainable yacht design in the world of sailing.
Nautech was media partner in the first edition of the Polimi Nautical HUB, where the evolutions of the boats built by the Physis PEB team were presented.
The team was founded in 2021 as the official Politecnico di Milano team running for the “Monaco Energy Boat Challenge”: a yearly competition held at the Yacht Club de Monaco and dedicated to hydrogen powered boats and electric boats from all the universities in the world, that centres around the principles of innovation and sustainability.
The team is composed by more than 50 students, working on their own concept of hybrid propulsion boats, combining hydrogen and batteries.
Energy Class, Solar Class and Open Sea
The teams participating in the MEBC aim to develop new technologies, explore new materials and shape alternative propulsion systems while maintaining cutting-edge performance. The challenge involves 3 categories: Energy Class, Solar Class and Open Sea.
The Physis catamaran partakes in the Energy Class, consisting of these races:
- SPEED: The fastest to cover a set distance wins;
- ENDURANCE: 4-hours-long race, the winner is the boat which completes the most laps;
- SLALOM: winner determined by navigating a course in the shortest amount of time;
- CHAMPIONSHIP: 1v1 race, the fastest boat wins.
Projects and awards
From 2022, Physis can boast a remarkable palmares:
• 2022: 1st place Qualifications, 2nd place Slalom, 2nd place Championship, ECO CONCEPTION PRIZE
• 2023 INNOVATION PRIZE, 3rd place in Communication, YCM Spirit Prize
• 2024: FPAII AWARD, 1st place among hybrid propulsion boats, 8th Overall Place
• Lightest hybrid boat in competition history
• Winner of the FPAII Prize, the event’s top award
In 2024, Physis PEB presented a hydrogen powered boat catamaran which combined a 4 kWh battery with a 3 kW hydrogen fuel cell. The structure was built mainly in carbon fiber, with the integration of composite materials such as Kevlar, glass, flax and basalt, to ensure lightness and strength. The energy management software, developed entirely by the team, was able to optimize the operation of the battery and fuel cell in real time based on operating conditions, also allowing the battery to be recharged via the fuel cell.
A strategic meeting point
The Polimi Nautical HUB was attended by the Partner Companies that have supported the boat development in recent years. Organized entirely by the Physis Polimi Energy Boat student team with the help of their professors, it is a strategic meeting point for professionals, researchers and students passionate about advanced technologies and electric sailing innovation.
A truly energetic event in which, in addition to the students, numerous companies in the sector and many visitors participated.
The prototype of the last Physis energy boat was the center of attention as well as FEBE: the F1 of the F1H2O championship by the PoliMi Sailing Team, which has been active since 2008 and is composed of students passionate about sailing. The team is divided in departments from Marketing to Mechatronics, Performance, to Shore Team and Structures: its members design and build foiling technology sailing boats of the Moth class, with a strong commitment to technological innovation and sustainability.
Technological innovation and sustainability
One of the team’s main objectives is the reduction of the environmental impact by using materials such as biocomposites, basalt fiber, thermoplastic resins and recycled PET, with the continuous search for eco-friendly solutions for the nautical sector.
Each component is analysed to evaluate its life cycle and minimize its impact. This commitment to environmental responsibility is inextricably linked to the goal of creating high-performance boats that constantly dominate the competitive sailing scene.
To optimize performance, FEM (Finite Element Method) simulations are used to improve the structural resistance of the boats, and CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to optimize the hydrodynamic and aerodynamic surfaces of the hull, foils and sails. These technologies allow to increase stability, speed and efficiency in navigation.
The sensors collect navigation data are analysed in real time to allow the flaps to function. New foiling technology is being designed with improved lift/drag ratios and new materials and processes are being introduced to increase speed, further reducing the environmental impact. The hull of the new prototype will be improved thanks to the contribution of the previous model, Febe. This will include optimised internal structures and improved hydrodynamics to maximise performance.
Bringing students, companies, and professionals together
The PoliMi Sailing Team recently won the latest edition of the SuMoth (SUstainable MOTH) Challenge, a competition between European universities promoting the development of more efficient and sustainable yacht design. The competition takes place in Malcesine, on Lake Garda, just before the Foiling Week, an important event in the world of flying sailing. The teams compete in 3 phases: design, production and performance.
The Polimi Nautical HUB has been an incredible opportunity to bring together students, companies, and professionals, all contributing to the future of electric sailing innovation.
We asked Gabriele Defendini, Physis PEB Technical Director, what are the fundamental topics of their research: “Surely, sustainable materials and composites such as bio-based epoxy resins and natural fibers (flax, basalt). Also, hybrid propulsion boats, especially for recreational boats, autonomous driving and foil”.
Autonomous driving and foils
Defendini believes that – regarding autonomous driving – we are still in an experimental phase; however, advanced automation is growing rapidly, and speaking with various companies it is clear that many are approaching this thematic.
“Today, there are navigation assistance systems (such as Volvo Penta Assisted Docking) and autonomous boat projects for logistics and research. I think in the coming years we will see advanced autopilots with AI and advanced sensors in recreational boating. In fact, we have contacts with a company that makes autonomous driving buoys for emergency support or simple delimitation of areas, and in the future it would like to move this technology to recreational boats. Therefore, we know it is feasible”.
Foiling technology is interesting as well, not just in competitions: “We have already seen foils on electric tenders (Candela, Navier), pleasure boats and low-consumption ferries. They are also becoming a standard in work boats (pilot boats, taxi boats) to reduce drag and consumption”.
Technologies and speeches
Throughout the day, the many attendees had the chance to visit company booths where cutting-edge technologies were on display.
• Ecomotive Solutions showcased their NEF60 engine converted to run entirely on hydrogen powered boats;
• Aten presented their advanced 3D printer;
• Laser Navigation introduced one of their innovative buoys;
• Chiaravalli Group, the main sponsor of Physis PEB, hosted their own booth;
• the PoliMi Sailing Team exhibited their boat.
In the afternoon, the event continued with a series of interesting presentations:
• Physis PEB shared their team’s journey and technical developments over the years;
• Chiaravalli discussed powertrain advancements in the automotive sector;
• the Polimi Sailing Team introduced their competition and projects;
• Syensqo presented sustainable plastics with properties equivalent to petroleum-based materials;
• Ecomotive Solutions explored the transition from traditional fuel engines to methane and hydrogen powered boats;
• Luca Olivari detailed the shift from aluminum to carbon in race boat design;
• Aten introduced a new nozzle technology for 3D printers and discussed the potential of farm printing in the marine industry;
• NatPower H presented their plan for hydrogen refueling stations in 40 Italian ports, creating a sustainable network for leisure boats;
• Laser Navigation showcased their Deep Sphere initiative, a research hub for AI-driven drones and autonomous boats;
• Sergio Abrami shared insights from his extensive experience in the nautical world, highlighting concerns about the excessive use of carbon fiber and safety measures in racing.
The event was concluded by a networking drink, allowing participants to continue discussions and build valuable connections.
