In a move that marries the thrill of competitive sailing with the imperative of environmental stewardship, the Orient Express Racing Team has announced its ambitious project to compete in the 2024 America’s Cup with a groundbreaking hydrogen-powered motorboat. This initiative highlights the team’s commitment to innovation and sets a new benchmark for sustainability in one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious sporting events.

With the event set to occur in Barcelona by late August, the team faces the dual challenge of adhering to the stringent competition rules while also pioneering a path toward cleaner oceans. The French team, a formidable contender for the Cup, is under the aegis of K-Challenge, led by the visionary Stephan Kandler. Kandler’s ethos, that “Competition makes you smarter,” resonates through the project’s ambition to blend high-stakes racing with significant environmental benefits.

The heart of this initiative is the development of a High-Speed Hydrogen (HSV) foil boat, a requirement for all competitors in the 37th America’s Cup. This vessel is designed to meet the race’s demanding performance criteria and serve as a prototype for future commercial applications. The Orient Express Racing Team’s venture into hydrogen technology underscores a significant leap towards sustainable maritime engineering, promising a cleaner future for our seas.

Antoine Carraz, the Technical Director for the Orient Express Racing Team, is steering the construction of this revolutionary craft. The project is a collaboration with a European consortium, bringing together top-tier expertise to overcome the technical hurdles of creating a high-performance, hydrogen-fueled boat. The design, spearheaded by the renowned French architect Philippe Briand, features a 33-foot hydrogen catamaran that glides on hydrofoils, showcasing the synergy between cutting-edge design and environmental consciousness.

The hydrogen propulsion system, a marvel of modern engineering, combines REXH2® fuel cells with a trio of 63 kWh batteries from EODev. This setup propels the boat at impressive speeds and significantly reduces the environmental impact compared to traditional fossil fuel-powered vessels. This innovative catamaran is being constructed by the Italian shipyard Bluegame, known for its commitment to excellence and sustainability.

This pioneering project has garnered the support of the French Secretary of State for the Sea, highlighting its potential contribution to the France Mer 2030 initiative. This endorsement underscores the project’s alignment with broader national efforts to champion marine conservation and technological innovation.

As the world gears up for the 2024 America’s Cup, the Orient Express Racing Team’s foray into hydrogen-powered boating is a testament to the possibilities at the intersection of competitive sports and environmental responsibility. This initiative aims to secure victory in the waters off Barcelona and inspire a wave of innovation in sustainable maritime practices worldwide.

The future of sailing is here, and it’s green. With the Orient Express Racing Team leading the charge, the 2024 America’s Cup is set to be a test of speed and skill and a showcase of humanity’s commitment to protecting our blue planet for generations to come.

Written by: Bridget Gomez

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