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A Jersey-born sailor will tomorrow set sail across 3,550 miles between Saint Malo and Guadeloupe using only clean energy to teach a lesson to what he describes as "one of the dirtiest industries out there."
Phil Sharp's Class40 Imerys Clean Energy boat will tackle the famous Route du Rhum by generating the auxiliary power it needs for system electronics through a mix of solar, hydro and biodiesel power.
The prize-winning sailor believes the sustainable energy sources will complement each other in order to ensure reliable, clean power generation in different weather conditions and at different times of the day.
Having previously won the Route du Rhum, Sharp is looking for similar success in his environmentally-friendly attempt this time round, which he hopes will inspire other mariners to cut down their pollution or go fossil-free altogether.
The boat’s primary source of energy will come from an array of high-efficiency solar technologies, combined with a hydro-turbine, used principally at night when boat speeds are sufficiently high. The main engine on the boat, powered by advanced biodiesel, will provide backup power in case of light winds and low light conditions.
Video: Sharp presents the solar innovations aboard Imerys Clean Energy.
Sharp explained: “Our racing project is about setting an example to the maritime sector over clean technologies that are currently accessible, scalable, and practical. Our aim is to encourage firstly boat owners and then the wider industry to move away from fossil fuels. The maritime sector is currently one of the dirtiest industries out there, as a major contributor of toxic air pollutants, particularly sulphur and nitrogen oxides.
"We really need to start embracing these technologies and we need to do this now.”
One of the things Imerys will be relying on is a specially developed biofuel.
Pictured: Phil Sharp celebrating with Pablo Santurdé, Julien Pulvé and Sam Matson after winning the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland race.
Biodiesel reduces lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by 72% compared with fossil diesel, and is free of harmful pollutants such as sulphur and aromatics found in fossil fuels. It is produced from a combination of animal fats, inedible corn oil, recycled cooking oil and vegetable oils in order to provide a sustainable and bio-degradable alternative.
Sharp said: “At the moment biodiesel is more expensive and considerably less accessible than conventional diesel, but these factors will become less restrictive with increased uptake once more boat owners accept that it is our duty to be responsible for our environment. Solar PV is also a no-brainer and something that should be integrated widespread over the deck of all boats. It wasn’t until we researched the market back in 2016 that we found no safe and durable solution actually existed, so we decided to develop our own!"
The team partnered with a brand called SunPower to integrate the most high performing cells globally, they then worked with Imerys minerals to produce a non-slip and high efficiency prototype. In the end, they said they found it had better anti-slip properties than deck paints that they had used.
Video: A time-lapse of how Vauban Bay transforms to host the start of the race.
Now in his second season racing using clean energy, Phil hopes that his strong race results will motivate others to "be clean on the inside as well as the outside."
This year, Sharp finished on the podium in all of the most competitive Class40 European races at the helm of Imerys Clean Energy. He finished with a 30 points lead over runner-up Luke Berry after finishing first in the Sevenstar Round Britain and Ireland race and Normandy Channel Race, second in the Drheam Cup and third in the 1000 Milles des Sables and won the 2018 European Trophy Award.
Sharp will be hoping to sail to success once more this year. He previously won the Route du Rhum in 18 days 10 hours 21 minutes 18 seconds in 2006, the first year for a Class 40 division in this race, and after competing in just one solo race, the 2005 Mini Transat.
Pictured: Sharp will have to contend with 53 other boats to win the Route du Rhum this year.
This year the competition has doubled with 53 entries set to challenge Sharp. Ahead of the start, Sharp said: “Over the years the boats have evolved considerably to become impressively fast racing machines, and unfortunately I won’t be equipped with the fastest boat. This combined with the incredible level of competition I know will make for a tough race, however, this in no way alters my drive for a win as firstly it’s a long endurance race which relies more on skipper personal management and experience.
"Secondly our Class40 Mach2 is a good all-rounder, which is important for variable oceanic conditions. That said, I will have to play catch-up after beam-reaching conditions, where the newer boats dominate.”
Video: Sharp discussing the storm forecast ahead of the departure.
The front runners in Sharp's category, the Class40, are expected to reach the finish line in Guadeloupe after approximately 16 days. They will first have to battle through over 3,553 miles of harsh oceanic conditions, starting with a storm. Jure Jerman, team meteorologist explained: "The fleet will feel the storm for approximately five days with winds between 35 and 40 knots from Monday. The main concern for the skippers will be less about wind speed, and more on boat preservation sailing upwind through a significant swell that will range between 7 and 12 metres.”
“It’s been just over two years since my last solo transatlantic race where we passed through the eye of a storm and several gales," Sharp said. "I have been mentally preparing myself for this and am happy with the systems on board to sail through bad weather.
“With the high level of new-boat competition I can’t afford to make even the smallest of error. I will have to sail a very clean race and push for top speeds 24/7. Imerys Clean Energy is quick in heavy downwind conditions so I’m hoping for a fast run in the trade winds!”
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