The Innovation Yachts Open60AAL has been launched in Les Sables d’Olonne

On Tuesday 26th March 2019, the Innovation Yachts Open60AAL has been launched in Les Sables d’Olonne, the famous home port of the Vendée Globe race.

After five months of optimization the unique racing yacht is in perfect condition. All systems are working well and today our shore team started already with final rig and mast adjustments.

The Ant Arctic Lab team has planned the first test legs for the end of next week to get the practical confirmation that the boat is in perfect condition.

After several test trials Norbert Sedlacek will sail his prologue from Les Sables d’Olonne to Horta, Azores, starting on 11th May 2019.

The departure of the world record attempt will be the 21st July 2019.

We are looking forward to send you the first action photos by the end of April and want to thank all of you for the interest in our unique world record project.

Why a unique world record attempt?

Because in the long history of offshore yacht sailing no skipper ever was able to sail through all oceans, including Arctic and Antarctic waters, single-handed, nonstop and without assistance!

Norbert Sedlacek will face all oceans with the world first racing yacht built out of 100% recyclable volcanic fiber.

After crossing the start line at the lighthouse of Les Sables d’Olonne, France, Skipper Norbert Sedlacek will set course to southwest Greenland and then further northwest through the Northwest Passage. Arriving the Bearing Sea Norbert will sail south to cross the Pacific Ocean before rounding Cap Horn for the first time.

Circumnavigating Antarctica and then Cap Horn for the second time skipper Norbert will set course north back to les Sables d’Olonne.

The conditions during this unique challenge against the nature with icy arctic waters, storms, doldrums and a lot of unknown situations will bring the skipper and his yacht to the limits.

The Ant Arctic is not only a sailing world record attempt, it will take the concept “Around Alone” and laboratory testing to new heights to succeed in this epic quest.

Testing technological, software and engineering developments - for ultimate proof of quality, safety, functionality and durability and of course, setting a new sailing world record are the main goals of this project.

With Norbert Sedlacek behind the steering wheel on our trendsetting Open60AAL, which is the first racing yacht build out of volcanic fiber we feel quite optimistic to stand this competition, set a new world sailing record and show the nautical industry what the future will bring:

“Fully recyclable and skin neutral yacht building materials, 100% renewable energy out of hydro generators and solar panels, new body protection materials and technologies and many more upcoming developments for more safety, long lasting quality and functionality!”