Nicolas Boulet will take part in the World Yachting Summit in Monaco from 15 to 17 April, as an expert in boating wind propulsion. CEO of WISAMO, a branch of Innovation Lab (MIL) in the Michelin Group, focused on innovative solutions for decarbonizing boating, he is the leader of the team working on the innovative automated inflated wingsails. This innovation has been approved by DNV with AIP (Approval In Principle) and is currently being tested on two vessels.

Daily Nautica, as one of the Media Partners for the World Yachting Summit, interviewed him to discover what he will be talking about during the Monaco event and to learn about his vision for sustainable boating.

What will you be sharing as speaker at the World yachting Summit in Monaco?

I am happy to be participating and contributing to this important boating event. I can’t wait to present the results of years of development for a unique and sustainable propulsion system. We strongly believe that automated wind propulsion that is easy to use, creates a new way for people to enjoy their time at sea, whether they prefer cruising or racing, and for those who want to share their support for the environment. The aim is to try and share more knowledge of the existence of innovative and revolutionary propulsion solutions, like WISAMO’s, allowing for the development of pleasure boating around the world thanks to new practices combining sailing with traditional engines, but that are simplified and mindful of environmental impact.

Sailing is already a low impact method thanks to new technology like automated sails, foils, solar or hydro-electric powered engines: do you believe this could become a better option for transport and tourism?

Sailing has always been a natural choice for boating. Up until now it required skill and a desire to put comfort in second place, but with the advent of automated solutions, that are also reliable like our wingsails, we don’t see why this can’t become accessible to all. Both when it is the main propulsion system, or combined with conventional engines. This type of sail, in addition to supplying an answer to environmental concerns, opens the way to new experiences based on autonomy and silence. Innovation is the key for technological sustainability and for low impact sailing. In pleasure boating, like in the transportation of goods or people, using new technology, in particular of cleaner propulsion systems thanks to hybridisation, this can lead to a vessel’s significant reduction in CO2. It is also important, however, to pay attention ot performance and eas of use, whether it is a professional or pleasure vessel.

Do you believe the goal of zero emissions can be reached fairly quickly even for motor boats or do you believe restrictions in technology and research are still relevant?

It seems like it is difficult to separate the desire to achieve zero emissions from technical research and innovation. The good news is that solutions already exist and some of them are available for sale. The next steps are for designers, who need to be able to integrate wind propulsion from the beginning of a vessel’s design phase, shipyards who need to work with suppliers of sustainable systems with the aim of integrating them systematically during construction, and owners who can act to improve the environmental impact of their yachts. It is technological progress that allows us to improve vessels, streamline navigation and reduce environmental impact. But at the same time, this objective can only be reached through the joint mobilisation of politicians, builders and users. This is why the Michelin Group is working to help the planet, adapting it into its pioneering methods. Through WISAMO they are working on innovation that makes sailing easier and more accessible, and helping ot preserve our oceans.

WISAMO’s certified “plug and play” system opens up new possibilities in terms of performance, ease of use and environment: what makes it different from traditional sails?

WISAMO creates a new sailing experience by uniting simplicity and safety. It can be adapted for use of mono and multi hulls over 50 feet, it is an innovative alternative, particularly adapted to owners who prefer the comfort of a motor boat, for expert sailors and beginners who want to sail simply, without having to change sails or perform manoeuvres. It is also for enthusiasts of distinctive design and innovative equipment. As a pioneering alternative to traditional sails, our automated wingsail automatically adapts to the wind direction and topsails on its own when needed. In case of bad weather, the wing goes into safety mode, it lowers and folds away on its own, without anyone needing to do anything. The boat remains stable even without wind, because the telescopic mast retracts completely. There is nothing to worry about, except enjoying safe sailing. With an innovative and original aspect, sailing becomes a different kind of pleasure. The shape of the wing follows the wind. The deck is free of obstacles to allow for optimal flow: there is no equipment blocking the way. Lastly, sailing is easier thanks to minimal listing. Access to protected areas becomes possible when not using the engine. And the yacht sails quietly.

What new challenges is the company working on for yachts and super yachts?

Based on the feedback from a number of trials in strong winds, WISAMO is ready to sell a robust, standardised wingsail of 170m2, that can be personalised and adapted to the design of the vessel. It has been designed for yachts between 20 and 60 metres or even slightly longer. In the future, this first model will be integrated with stronger sailss as part of a range designed to respond to the challenges of decarbonising the maritime and yachting sectors, as well as for larger vessels. Michelin’s reasearch and development team is working on a larger wingsail, for vessels and superyachts longer than 80 metres.

by Marcella Ottolenghi