Objectives of the Scientific Programme
To achieve this, scientific equipment from several institutions under the Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS) – including Ifremer, Météo France, UK MetOffice, and the TARA Foundation – has been provided. Technical coordination is managed by UNESCO’s OceanOPS, and the project is complemented by educational outreach, connecting school and university students to the data collection mission.
Scientific Equipment on Board
The scientific apparatuses vary widely, each designed to record specific oceanic or atmospheric conditions:
- Argo Floats: Ten skippers will carry Argo floats – devices that measure temperature and salinity. Standing 1.7 metres tall and weighing 20 kg, these floats contribute crucial information for weather and oceanographic models.
- Drifting Weather Buoys: Eight skippers will deploy these 20 kg devices, which measure atmospheric pressure, temperature, and surface currents. This data supports both short- and long-term weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
- Onboard Weather Stations: Compact and light (300 grams), these devices are fixed inside the boats and track atmospheric conditions, feeding data to on-board computers.
- TSG Gaillard: Weighing 10 kg, this device continuously monitors temperature and salinity, allowing real-time readings that are particularly useful for recreational sailors as well.
- Calitoo Photometers: Five skippers will use these 400-gram handheld devices to measure aerosols such as dust, pollutants, and ice crystals, aiding in optical depth calculations.
- Argos Marget II Beacons: Two of these 1.3 kg devices will track major marine currents, increasing understanding of the ocean’s physical structure.
Skippers’ Views on the Science Mission
Several skippers expressed enthusiasm for contributing to this environmental project. Louis Burton, skipper of Bureau Vallée, will carry a Calitoo photometer. “We’re fortunate to navigate areas rarely explored, so contributing to atmospheric science is a fantastic opportunity,” he noted.
Antoine Cornic (Human Immobilier), carrying a weather buoy among other tools, shared his passion for science. “As an IMOCA sailor, I’m proud to support scientific efforts – it’s a pleasure to help expand global knowledge,” he said. Cornic also values the awareness such missions bring to younger generations.
Meanwhile, Fabrice Amedeo (Nexans – Wewise) has turned his IMOCA vessel into an “educational boat,” equipping it with CO2 and salinity sensors and an Argo float. “This data collection is invaluable for climate, oceanography, and meteorology,” he emphasised. Newcomers like Guirec Soudée (Freelance.com) and Sam Goodchild (VULNERABLE) echoed this sentiment, seeing data collection as a meaningful addition to their race.
Vendée Globe’s Commitment to Environmental Impact
Alain Leboeuf, president of the Vendée Globe and the Vendée Departmental Council, commended the skippers’ dedication to scientific progress. “This race must serve humanity by aiding scientists in their mission to study the ocean and climate,” he stated. Leboeuf confirmed that by 2028, carrying scientific equipment will be mandatory for all participants. Additionally, the 10th edition will feature protected biodiversity zones around the Azores and Cape Verde, further supporting environmental goals.
The Vendée Globe’s scientific initiative stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of exploration and responsibility. As these sailors journey through the world’s most remote waters, their contributions will advance critical research on climate change, helping scientists and citizens alike understand the oceans that connect us all.
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