More information
Description
Objective of a “Green 44”project is to develop and build first 44 foot performance sailboat prototype by using maximum amount of ecologically sustainable materials and solutions. Recent years key component and equipment manufacturers are bringing environment friendly solutions int to market but new materials and technology has not yet been fully utilised by performance sailing boats (racers, cruiser racers) industry. ALFA Yacht intention is to be leading small producer in its niche to implement such innovation in new 44 foot Green 44 racer /cruiser sailing boat. To implement new materials in yacht hull and deck, sails set and engine over 53 ton of CO2 eq per boat will be saved compared to traditional building materials. Prototype will set an example for industry actors and inspire patrons further CO2 eq emissions reducing in the future. Geen 44 hull and deck will be at the end of its lifecycle reusable.
New resins and foams are been launched in market but not yet implemented on performance boats. Main reason for not implementing environmentally friendly solutions is yacht builders established production processes, prices of new materials and sailing boats long lifecycles. In recent years, energy efficient technical solutions like electrical and hybrid engines, solar panels is coming strongly to mainstream yacht building. Same time in boats hull, deck and superconstruction, most materials are still non- degradables with big carbon footprint.
.
Summary of project results
The project was aimed at reducing the environmental footprint in sailboat construction industry, to meet the renewed demands of customers and to reduce the sailboat''s global environmental impact.
A state-of-the-art 13.4 meter long environmental-friendly racing sailboat was developed. Considering the short deadline (1 year) for the project of a yacht with such a complex new design in the conditions of the pandemic, it was done within the given time without making major concessions on the quality of the product and the completion dates. It was possible to successfully use all the planned environmentally friendly solutions. For example, thermo-acrylic resin has not previously been known to be used in yacht construction, and therefore there were certain risks associated with processing the new material. Also, using only an electric motor was novel and a bit risky. Here too, corrections had to be made in the engine power.
Although the construction and development of the yacht took place in Estonia, several key suppliers were from abroad (for example, Australia, New Zealand), with whom we worked under the conditions of the Covid-19 pandemic. European countries contributed to the development of the yacht as suppliers, e.g. companies from Hungary, Italy, Finland, Denmark, France and Spain. Thus, it was an international project from which different know-how reached Estonia.
The development of Green44 is completed and environmental sailboat prototype successfully tested at the ORC World Championships.