A French startup is making waves in pursuit of a goal to make sailing more inclusive by making it more like playing a video game.
Imagine joysticks that allow differently abled people to set sail and control a boat. Imagine boats built from more ecologically responsible materials. Imagine integrating data to help navigate sailboats, yachts and motorboats more safely – even autonomously – depending on the weather, tide and sea depth. Imagine automatic hydrofoil systems that stabilize watercraft in real time. This is a snapshot of Splashelec’s vision for making sailing more accessible and creating a more inclusive world.
Why sailing?
When Splashelec joined the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab back in 2017, the company described sailing as more than just a sport – it’s a state of mind that allows connection to the natural environment, promotes well-being and supports personal development. Except sailing is not always the most inclusive activity. With its inherent physical and financial demands, enjoying sailing can be a challenge for the young and the old, the anxious, the differently abled, and those of modest means.
“If we change the way we sail,” the team asked, “can we create a more inclusive world?”
Steering a sailboat is the first step for Splashelec. After some research and development, the team came up with a joystick servo system that allows control of the rudder and sails. Using the system, steering a boat becomes like playing a video game or driving an electric wheelchair. The next steps include creating new boat designs to make sailing more accessible.
Working with the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, Splashelec has been able to design, simulate and assemble using 3D-printed pieces; optimize the design and secure critical user scenarios; collect data with captors and remote control; and share back the parameters of its boat trips.
Now, four years later, the designs are progressing and Splashelec is sailing closer to its goal of helping people of all ages and abilities smell the sea, feel the sky and enjoy being out on the water as a captain.
