Philippe Briand is boldly leading the charge in his relentless pursuit of eco-friendly yachting
by Philippe Briand 11 Apr 2024 21:07 NZST
Orient Express Racing Team hydrogen foiling catamaran © Philippe Briand
Teaming up with the Orient Express Racing Team, the French America's Cup syndicate, Briand has embraced the thrilling challenge of the 2024 America's Cup with fervour, aiming to revolutionize the seas with a groundbreaking initiative.
Their innovation? A cutting-edge, all-green commercial motorboat, conceived to be a beacon of sustainability on the open waters. This visionary project not only embodies their competitive spirit but also their unwavering commitment to preserving our oceans.
As the French challenger for the prestigious America's Cup, they've embraced the challenge with gusto. According to the rules of the 37th America's Cup, slated to commence in late August in the vibrant city of Barcelona, the team must navigate the race zone with a high-speed hydrogen foil boat (HSV) as their sole authorized assistance.
Undeterred by the magnitude of the task, the team has embarked on a thrilling journey alongside a dynamic European consortium.
Their mission? To craft a remarkable 33-foot (10-meter) hydrogen catamaran that soars above the waves on sleek hydrofoils, a creation born from the visionary mind of renowned Architect, Philippe Briand.
Powering this marvel of engineering are two state-of-the-art REXH2® fuel cells, seamlessly integrated with three formidable 63 kWh batteries from hydrogen specialist EODev. This fusion of cutting-edge technology and innovative design promises not just a competitive edge but a sustainable future for the high seas.