Why is your project so important?
For us, winning the award is confirmation at the highest level that we’re on the right track with our uncompromising concept – to design and build boats that are as recyclable and sustainable as possible.
What is the current status of the project and what are the next steps? Is it already in use? Is it possible to buy a IY LBV35 yet?
The prototype was sold and has been in the water for a year now. It’s still in Les Sables d'Olonne, where it was built, and is available for customers to inspect and take a test sail.
How will the prize money of the "ocean tribute" award be used?
We will use the money to finance the development and public relations work on our concept of building fully sustainable and recyclable multihulls that combine pleasure sailing with cleaning up the ocean. At the same time we will continue with our commitment to recycling as much waste and residual material into new building materials as possible.
What does the project mean to you personally? What is your motivation?
The award is a great motivator after 13 years of hard work on the development of boats made of sustainable composite materials with renewable energy generators, a project that has often been met with ridicule.
What is your vision for the future?
We’re currently building a new shipyard with the support of the community of Les Sables d'Olonne in order to better accommodate the production of large yachts, monohulls and multihulls, in prototype construction or custom-built up to 120 feet. We aim to have it up and running by 2024 and hope to attract numerous project developers and ultimately end customers to our yacht building concept. We will also encourage as many watersports enthusiasts as possible to rethink and switch to cleaner, sustainable and recyclable boats.
What are your next projects?
Since January we’ve been working on another smaller catamaran project.
On 6 August 2023 Norbert will set sail from Les Sables d'Olonne, taking our ANT ARCTIC LAB project to new heights and proving the quality of sustainable yacht building materials and the functionality of a renewable energy supply. Of course, the sporting component – the ultimate world record attempt to sail all of five oceans single-handedly, non-stop and without any outside assistance – is also an essential personal goal. In addition, we’re very happy that we have forged partnerships with various innovative manufacturers with laboratory projects! Another goal of this project is to draw attention to sustainability and environmental awareness.
