On November 10, Initiatives-Cœur set sail in one of the world’s most grueling and prestigious sailing events, the Vendée Globe, with a dual mission: to conquer the oceans and save children’s lives. This solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world race, often considered the “Everest of the Seas,” will take British skipper Samantha Davies through some of the planet’s most challenging waters, covering roughly 45,000 kilometers (28,000 miles).
Supporting Davies every step of the way is the Initiatives-Cœur sailing team, whose goal transcends the thrill of competition. Since 2012, the team has raised money to support Mécénat Chirurgie Cardiaque, a French charity that funds life-saving heart surgeries for children from disadvantaged backgrounds who otherwise lack access to essential medical care. Through each social media interaction (likes, shares, and comments) during the race, corporate sponsors donate to this cause. Over the years, the initiative has helped fund surgery for more than 385 children.
Davies, who is no stranger to the Vendée Globe, is at the helm of Initiatives-Cœur’s new, state-of-the-art 60-foot sailing yacht, which has been designed for optimized speed and endurance. Behind the innovative racing boat stands a highly skilled group of engineers and technicians, bolstered by the advanced technological support of Dassault Systèmes.
Using Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and virtual twin technology, the team designed and tested the boat’s structure for resilience and performance. These tools have allowed the crew to refine crucial parts, such as foils and rudders, and push the boundaries of what’s possible with the vessel at sea. By getting everything right in the virtual world first, Initiatives-Cœur has been able to do much more itself than before, saving time and money while improving quality. The virtual twin also serves as a troubleshooting aid during the race, allowing the shore team to guide Davies through repairs remotely by referencing a 3D model of the vessel.
Throughout the current Vendée Globe campaign, Initiatives-Cœur’s dual mission is in constant focus. As Davies sails past iconic points like the Cape of Good Hope, Cape Leeuwin and Cape Horn, supporters around the world will engage with the team’s social media channels to boost donations for life-saving procedures.
“The Vendée Globe is an amazing race because of its unpredictability – that’s part of its magic,” Davies said. “We’ve built an incredible boat and I’m excited to get out there and sail. Throughout the race, every time we raise €12,000 [US$12,800], that’s enough money to pay for a child to come to France and receive life-saving surgery.”
Combining cutting-edge technology and an unwavering humanitarian commitment, Initiatives-Cœur hopes to have its most successful Vendée Globe yet. Over the next few weeks, the team will channel its energy and expertise into a strong performance, doing everything it can to get its boat over the finish line and achieve its greater mission of saving lives – one heart at a time.
Discover how Initiatives-Cœur prepared for this important campaign, using powerful design and simulation solutions to develop and constantly improve its new racing boat, so it performs efficiently and reliably at sea.
Rebecca Lambert is a skilled content creator and journalist based in the UK. Since she was a young girl, Rebecca has been captivating readers with her words, covering virtually any and every subject matter.