Can we build racing boats while preserving the environment? The beginning of an answer could come from the exploitation of flax. In any case, this is what the Ifremer experts say who, in collaboration with François Gabart's MerConcept innovation laboratory, have carried out an innovative study on the use of this material in shipbuilding.
A 20% to 25% reduction in a boat's carbon footprint
According to the environmental impact analyzes carried out by the researchers, the use of these alternative materials would allow savings of 20 to 25% in equivalent CO2 emissions during the construction of boats. These encouraging results have encouraged MerConcept to realize its eco-responsible ambitions. After having successfully carried out tests with the Erplast company on an Optimist, the laboratory is starting the design of a 6.50 meter Mini class racing boat, equipped with a flax fiber hull.
This is good news, especially because France is the world's leading producer of flax , with around 100,000 hectares of cultivation. France is therefore ahead of Belgium, which has around 16,000 hectares, and the Netherlands (with 2,500 hectares). Today 70% of linen production is destined for the production of clothing and household linen.