Project Green Jet - a vision of the future of sailing

High tech offers higher speeds

One of the areas where we have seen massive development in sailing technology in recent times is in the areas of maxiyachts and long distance speed attempt sailing boats. Both areas have leveraged sponsorship and media profile to provide the necessary development funds.

Take a look at the incredible Orange II, which continues to set distance records and the remarkable performance of canting-keel supermaxi Alfa Romeo in its debut year. http://www.gizmag.com/go/3164/

With new thinking of this ilk beginning to influence the directions of sail, and a genie-like array of new sensors, processing-power and advanced motors and batteries at our disposal, it’s worth thinking about what might be possible.

Sailing in the year 2025

One of the most thought-provoking concepts we’ve ever witnessed on Gizmag is BRP’s Invitation Sailing Concept. It’s what happens when you apply new thinking to old ways. Firstly, Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is a spin-out from the Bombardier Industrial conglomerate that makes planes and trains and it was created as an entity to develop and make recreational products and its mission statement is quite clear - 'to bring you the most exciting and innovative recreational experience possible.'

It has already pioneered several major recreational markets such as the snowmobile and Personal Water Craft and owns the lion’s share in both global markets, and occasionally, its concepts, such as the monowheel Embrio concept, are conceptually breathtaking and a good bet for future production a decade or two from now.

Back in 2001, the design team at BRP was asked to visualise the sailboat of the year in 2025. Given the resources of the think tank of idea-driven company specialising in designing and manufacturing recreational products of almost every conceivable ilk (snowmobiles, jet skis, speedboats, inboard and outboard marine motors, go-karts, motorcycle and aircraft engines, high tech clothing, helmets, all terrain vehicles ad infinitum), they produced a remarkable concept.

...continued