In high-stakes ocean racing, few challenges match the intensity of the Transat Jacques Vabre. This 7,500-mile nautical marathon is not for the faint-hearted, as it pushes both human and machine to their limits across the frothy expanse of the North Atlantic. At the heart of this thrilling endeavor is MerConcept, the pioneering force behind SVR-LAZARTIGUE—a boat built not just to ride the waves but to soar above them.
SVR-LAZARTIGUE A Boat Built to Fly
Imagine a vessel that defies gravity, gliding over the ocean’s surface like a bird in flight. SVR-LAZARTIGUE, a newcomer to the grand arena of Ultim trimarans, achieved this feat in its debut race, clinching second place in the 2023 Transat Jacques Vabre. This 32-meter-long behemoth, with its revolutionary design and advanced engineering, navigated the grueling race in just over 16 days, a testament to the engineering marvel crafted by MerConcept under the guidance of its founder, François Gabart.
Gabart’s venture into offshore racing has been nothing short of revolutionary. With MerConcept at the helm, he’s amassed victories in prestigious races and set a round-the-world solo record. His passion for the sea, wind and waves drives him to harness their power and push the boundaries of speed and innovation in ocean racing.
Passion Meets Innovation MerConcept’s Unique Approach
MerConcept’s success isn’t just a coincidence; it’s the culmination of deep industry knowledge fused with cutting-edge technology. Their partnership with Dassault Systèmes and the adoption of the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, a comprehensive suite of software tools for product development, have been instrumental in creating boats as innovative as they are competitive. This collaboration enables MerConcept to develop unique designs, better understand the behavior of their boats at sea, and continually refine their engineering prowess.
The construction of SVR-LAZARTIGUE wasn’t an overnight success story. It resulted from a mammoth engineering endeavor involving over 150,000 hours of work and more than 150 collaborations worldwide. The 3DEXPERIENCE platform is crucial in orchestrating this team of experts, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration on a shared 3D model.
Collaborating on a Virtual Twin: The Power of Cloud-Based Innovation
Before transitioning to the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, MerConcept faced challenges in synchronizing efforts and ensuring everyone was up to date with the latest developments. But with the platform’s cloud-based capabilities, they now have a shared data environment where all stakeholders can work together in real-time, reducing errors and enhancing efficiency.
This Virtual Twin Experience (VTE) of SVR-LAZARTIGUE is more than just a digital replica; it’s a dynamic, accurate representation of the physical boat and its systems. It allows MerConcept to simulate various scenarios, refine designs and make informed decisions—all while acting as a bridge between the virtual and physical realms.
Refining Design from Sea to Screen
The VTE doesn’t just stay in the digital domain. MerConcept uses it to refine the boat’s design throughout its lifecycle, adapting based on data collected during tests and races. This iterative process ensures that SVR-LAZARTIGUE remains at peak performance, even as it faces the rigors of the sea.
The 3DEXPERIENCE platform’s cloud-based nature is particularly advantageous when the boat is at sea. With an internet connection, the team can access plans and models, making addressing any issues or implementing modifications based on real-time data easier.
The Role of 3DEXPERIENCE and ENOVIA
At the heart of MerConcept’s innovation is the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and its ENOVIA application. These tools empower the team with collaborative, intuitive interfaces, facilitating seamless communication and data sharing. With multiple team members contributing to the design process, ENOVIA ensures that any technical modifications are communicated and implemented effectively.
The VTE, accessible to all stakeholders in real-time, fosters a unified language among teams, promoting synergy between design and execution. This approach enhances the boat’s design and streamlines operations, allowing MerConcept to maintain its competitive edge.
From Hydrodynamics to Aerodynamics
Ultim trimarans like SVR-LAZARTIGUE are designed to fly across the water at incredible speeds. Achieving this requires a focus on both hydrodynamics and aerodynamics. While traditional designs emphasized reducing hull drag, MerConcept has shifted its attention to optimizing aerodynamics to enhance speed.
The result is a boat that levitates above the water, propelled by foils akin to an airplane’s wings. This focus on aerodynamics extends to every aspect of the design, from sails to cabin placement, ensuring minimal drag and maximum speed.
Boosting Performance with Simulation
MerConcept’s collaboration with Dassault Systèmes SIMULIA team has been instrumental in fine-tuning SVR-LAZARTIGUE’s performance. Using advanced computational fluid dynamics, the team analyzes scenarios to optimize aerodynamics. These simulations provide valuable insights, highlighting areas for improvement and guiding design modifications.
The results speak for themselves. The enhanced aerodynamics have already contributed to impressive performance gains, positioning SVR-LAZARTIGUE as a formidable contender in future competitions.
A Legacy of Innovation and Passion
MerConcept’s story is one of passion, innovation and collaboration. François Gabart’s vision for harnessing the power of the sea and wind has driven the company to create vessels that redefine ocean racing. With the support of Dassault Systèmes and the 3DEXPERIENCE platform, MerConcept continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, ensuring that their boats are not just machines, but masterpieces of engineering.
Conclusion: Charting a Course for the Future
In offshore racing, MerConcept’s SVR-LAZARTIGUE is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. By leveraging the 3DEXPERIENCE platform and ENOVIA capabilities, the team has created a vessel that competes and excels in the most challenging races.
For manufacturers, product managers and engineering professionals, MerConcept’s success story offers valuable insights into the potential of integrating advanced technology into their processes. By adopting similar strategies and tools, businesses can unlock new possibilities and chart a course toward a future of innovation and excellence.
Whether you’re a seasoned industry leader or an aspiring sports enthusiast, the story of MerConcept and SVR-LAZARTIGUE reminds you that with passion, expertise and the right tools, the horizon is limitless.
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