Navico Group and Maccaferri Futura are turning a racing yacht into a floating research lab, proving that high-performance sailing and environmental science can share the same course. This isn’t just about cutting through waves—it’s about cutting through data to reveal the health of our oceans.
The Class40 racing yacht, equipped with Navico’s OP Box and SOOP Sailing Box, is now a data-collecting powerhouse. As it races, it gathers real-time ocean parameters—temperature, salinity, oxygen, and pH—via sensors from NESA, a Maccaferri Group company. This isn’t just another tech demo; it’s a direct feed into the EMODnet Physics platform, where scientists worldwide can access the data instantly.
What makes this partnership stand out is how seamlessly technology and purpose align. Navico’s systems don’t just power the yacht—they integrate science into the heart of the vessel. The data isn’t siloed; it’s live on onboard screens, online dashboards, and research platforms. This ensures that every wave the yacht cuts through contributes to a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems.
For Navico, this is more than a sponsorship—it’s a commitment to sustainability. Gabriele Gatta, General Manager Navico Connect EMEA, puts it bluntly: “We’re enabling real-time data collection and sharing that contributes directly to global ocean health research.” By embedding scientific tools into high-performance marine tech, Navico is proving that innovation doesn’t have to choose between speed and stewardship.
Maccaferri Futura’s mission is equally bold. As Giulia Albuzio, Team Principal, explains, “We’re turning competitive sailing into a valuable platform for ocean research.” Luca Rosetti, the skipper, drives the point home: “Out at sea, technology makes the difference.” This isn’t just about winning races—it’s about winning for the planet.
The initiative aligns with the EU Mission “Restore our Ocean and Waters” and supports the EU Biodiversity Strategy 2030. It’s a concrete step toward climate change mitigation and marine ecosystem protection. But beyond policy, it’s a tangible example of how technology can bridge the gap between sport and science.
This partnership challenges the maritime industry to think differently. If a racing yacht can collect and share critical ocean data in real time, what’s stopping commercial fleets from doing the same? The technology exists—what’s needed is the will to integrate it into everyday operations. This isn’t just about high-performance sailing; it’s about setting a new standard for how the maritime world engages with environmental science.
The real test will be whether this model scales. If racing yachts can become research vessels, why can’t cargo ships, tankers, and offshore platforms? The data they collect could revolutionise climate modelling, marine conservation, and disaster response. The question is no longer whether technology can serve dual purposes—it’s whether the industry will embrace that potential.
This initiative is a wake-up call. It’s a reminder that innovation isn’t just about speed or efficiency—it’s about purpose. Navico and Maccaferri Futura are proving that the maritime industry can compete on the water and for the planet. The rest of the sector should take note.