LUXLIFE MAGAZINE | 47 New Year 2023 Innovation Yachts in 2016, their work on building yachts from volcanic fibre started way back in 2009. But it wasn’t until 2012, when the pair partnered with Kapsch, that they built their first prototype - the IY Open16 FIPOFIX. Two years later, Norbert’s son, Harald, would complete two nonstop North Atlantic crossings in the boat, proving that the material was up to the task. But volcanic fibre isn’t the only sustainable material favoured by Innovation Yachts. The company uses lightweight and strong FSC certified balsa wood, sustainable plantage grown. Fast-growing, strong, and renewable, balsa has excellent moisture resistance meaning it lasts longer at sea. And the company’s commitment to sustainable products doesn’t end there. Glues and resins may seem a small part of the construction process, but if not chosen wisely, they can undo much of the good work that’s gone into selecting other materials. Innovation Yachts favours epoxy matrix which is biosourced, solvent free and harmless to health but proven to withstand high levels of mechanical stress. You may say that building recyclable boats is all well and good, but who is going to recycle them? Innovation Yachts doesn’t pay lip service to the recyclability of its products, it actually recycles them. Marion explains, “We understand that our planet needs ‘healthcare’. We have to act fast to create less pollution and more sustainability in the leisure industry. We’re actually the first and only shipyard that recycles the materials we work with. We fabricate fillers and new building materials out of materials we recycle in-house. It’s important to us to highlight that sustainability is not just a word. We’re not about greenwashing. Our clients are willing to pay a fair price for quality, luxury, and special features. It’s up to us to offer them cleaner solutions because they exist.” Innovation Yachts specialises in the end-toend project development of high-performance yachts. As well as being a shining light in the world of sustainability, the company prides itself on providing tailored technical solutions for optimum sailing performance. It’s hard to believe that fibreglass hulls have been around since the 1940s with the first mass manufacturing taking place in the 1950s. Although the material helped bring sailing to the masses, the impact of this manmade fibre, over 70 years on, is there for all to see. The sheer number of boats left discarded and decaying each year around the world is said to be in the hundreds of thousands. With no feasible means of recycling, and the costs associated with consigning boats to landfill eye-watering, many are left to rot. Boats dumped at sea and those falling prey to hurricanes break up and contribute to the growing issue of microplastics in the ocean. You may think that’s enough evidence against using fiberglass reinforced polyester during construction. But we also can’t forget the impact on human health. Working with fibreglass presents a number of hazards to health, from simple skin irritation to breathing conditions such as bronchitis and emphysema and even some forms of cancer. One company that’s committed to building ‘clean’ craft is boatbuilder, Innovation Yachts. With its shipyard based in Les Sables d’Olonne, France, and its head office in Altlengbach, Austria, Innovation Yachts is a truly European affair. Using sustainable and recyclable materials, Innovation Yachts builds clean, long-lasting, safe, highperformance, luxury yachts. Sourcing materials that embrace green technology and reduce the ‘floating footprint’ is central to the Innovation Yachts ethos. Having its own laboratory and in-house development department, Innovation Yachts is a world leader in building yachts from volcanic fibre. Chosen for its durability and its neutral environmental impact, volcanic fibre is made by grinding volcanic rock to a powder which is then melted and pulled into fibres. Although Norbert and Marion founded Marion says, “We provide the full service, from concept to the delivery of the yacht. We are always in pursuit of perfection. The quality of our staff and the suppliers we choose to partner with are both integral parts of the success of every project we undertake.” Innovation Yachts’ latest and greatest design is the IY OPEN60AAL. This 60ft yacht is the perfect showcase for the company’s boat-building and sustainability know-how. And there’s no fossil fuel in sight. The IY OPEN60AAL uses hydropower and solar power instead, making the craft selfsufficient, even on dead-calm days. In true Innovation Yachts style, the next step is to test the craft to the maximum. Co-founder, Norbert already has a long list of sailing achievements to his name. A native of Vienna in land-locked Austria, Norbert was a tram driver that dreamed of having a more exciting life. When he discovered sailing in 1994 he decided he didn’t just want it to be his hobby, he wanted it to be his life. And he made it happen. Starting by circumnavigating the globe, Norbert earned his place on the professional sailing scene. He later became the first German-speaking finisher of the mythic sailing race, the Vendée Globe. He was also the first Austrian to sail single-handedly around Antarctica. In 2023, Norbert will be undertaking his fifth attempt at the world record known as ANT ARCTIC LAB, a challenge to sail singlehanded, non-stop around the world aboard Innovation Yachts Open60AAL. As well as testing the skipper, the challenge will put the Innovation Yachts flagship through its paces. Testing the sustainable and fully recyclable design in all areas of quality, safety, and functionality will provide the team with invaluable feedback with which to future point the design. The company is also excited to be establishing its new shipyard in Vairé, France, next to Les Sables d'Olonne, where we will start boat construction in the beginning of 2024. Contact: Marion Koch Company: Innovation Yachts SAS Web Address: www.innovation-yachts.com
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