Our story starts today with just a grand dream, a vision we are deeply committed to bringing to life. Thus, we named our boat "The Dreamer."
As we searched for a new boat for our offshore racing team, we couldn't shake off a sense of something lacking in the market. Everywhere we looked, IRC boats seemed to echo each other, with a more concerning uniformity in their construction materials – predominantly environmentally unfriendly fiberglass, carbon and petrochemical resins.
This realization sparked in us not just a concern, but a compelling drive to challenge the status quo. Acknowledging the magnitude of this challenge, we're embarking on this journey with humility and determination, fueled by a dream to make a difference. We know it's an ambitious leap, but we're committed to exploring sustainable alternatives in boat building, proving that innovation, performance and environmental responsibility can sail in the same direction.
Our decision to build a prototype of a sustainable boat reflects the our commitment to environmental consciousness, technological innovation, education, industry leadership, research and development, and community engagement. Through this initiative, our Foundation aims to contribute to a more sustainable and responsible maritime future.
Dreamer 10, our sustainable boat prototype is a design category A, highly competitive ocean racer, setting a new standard in maritime engineering. Crafted using cutting-edge Natural Fiber Composites (NFC), this vessel epitomizes the Dreamer Foundation's dedication to reducing the carbon footprint and environmental impact associated with boat production.
By combining innovative materials, eco-friendly construction methods, and sustainable design principles, the boat showcases our commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology for positive change in the maritime industry.
The construction of the sustainable boat prototype will employ a meticulous process that prioritizes eco-friendly materials and sustainable practices. Dreamer Foundation will leverage the expertise of skilled craftsmen and maritime engineers to ensure precision and quality throughout the build. The utilization of Natural Fiber Composites (NFC), including flax, basalt, pre-formed birch plywood and bio-resins, will play a pivotal role in minimizing the environmental impact while adhering to cutting-edge standards in boat construction.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in utilizing flax fibers as reinforcement in composites, driven by the demand for sustainable materials. Flax fibers offer cost-effectiveness and exhibit mechanical properties comparable to commonly used glass fibers, making them promising candidates for applications in various industries.
Flax plants are highly efficient in absorbing carbon dioxide, with one hectare of flax absorbing over 3.7 metric tons of CO2 annually. This means that our annual production, which requires more than 7,400 acres of flax (equivalent to 3,000 hectares), contributes to the absorption of over 11,000 metric tons of CO2 per year. To put this into perspective, it's equivalent to the emissions generated by driving an average car around the Earth a thousand times.
Furthermore, flax cultivation requires minimal water, especially in the naturally moist and temperate climate of Central Europe, eliminating the need for irrigation. Additionally, the plant is resistant to pests, reducing the reliance on pesticides. During the retting process, farmers harness the moisture from Mother Nature's morning dew. Moreover, every part of the flax plant has multiple applications, resulting in minimal waste.
With its versatility and eco-friendly attributes, flax enables us to establish a closed production cycle, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
Basalt fibers have emerged as one of the most promising eco-friendly alternatives in composite materials, driven by the growing demand for sustainable solutions. Basalt fibers offer remarkable mechanical properties similar to, and sometimes even surpassing, those of traditional materials like fiberglass. This makes them highly attractive for various structural applications in marine industry.
One of the most compelling aspects of basalt fibers is their eco-friendly production process. Basalt is a naturally occurring volcanic rock abundant in the Earth's crust, making it a renewable and sustainable resource. Unlike traditional materials, basalt fibers require minimal processing and energy input during extraction and production, resulting in lower carbon emissions and environmental impact.
Moreover, basalt fibers possess superior thermal and acoustic insulation properties, offering energy efficiency benefits in buildings and infrastructure projects. By incorporating basalt fibers into composite materials, we can create lightweight yet strong structures that contribute to reducing overall energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Additionally, basalt fibers exhibit excellent resistance to corrosion, chemicals, and high temperatures, making them ideal for harsh environments and demanding applications. Their inherent durability and longevity contribute to reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs, further enhancing their sustainability credentials.
Pre-formed birch plywood has emerged as a revolutionary material in the realm of boat construction, offering a blend of strength, flexibility, and sustainability. Birch plywood is renowned for its natural durability and resilience, making it an ideal choice for marine applications. However, the pre-forming method takes its benefits to a whole new level by enhancing its structural integrity and reducing tensile stress on the hull.
The pre-forming process involves shaping the birch plywood into precise curves and contours before integrating it into the boat's hull structure. This technique allows for greater customization and precision in boat design, resulting in smoother lines and improved hydrodynamics. By pre-forming the plywood panels, manufacturers can minimize the need for complex joinery and achieve seamless integration, thereby reducing potential weak points and enhancing overall structural integrity.
Moreover, the pre-forming method helps distribute stress more evenly across the hull, minimizing the risk of tension concentration and potential failure points. This is especially crucial in high-stress areas such as the bow and around the keel, where traditional construction methods may struggle to maintain structural integrity over time. By reducing tensile stress on the hull, pre-formed birch plywood enhances the boat's longevity and performance, ensuring years of reliable service even in challenging marine conditions.
In addition to its structural benefits, pre-formed birch plywood also offers environmental advantages. Birch plywood is derived from sustainably managed forests, ensuring a renewable and eco-friendly source of raw material. The pre-forming process further optimizes material usage and reduces waste, making it a highly efficient and sustainable choice for boat construction.
We believe that pre-formed birch plywood represents a paradigm shift in boat building, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering techniques to create lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly vessels. By harnessing the unique properties of birch plywood and the precision of pre-forming technology, boat manufacturers will be able to unlock new possibilities in design, performance, and sustainability.
At Dreamer Foundation, our pledge to the sailing community is rooted in our commitment to research and development, delving into new frontiers in maritime engineering and uncovering transformative insights along the way.
We are committed to sharing our discoveries transparently and collaboratively, empowering sailors with the knowledge and insights necessary to propel the sport forward.
By fostering an environment of continuous learning and growth, we inspire others to join us in shaping a more sustainable future for sailing, built upon the solid foundation of research, development, and shared knowledge.
Stay up-to-date with our advancements in sustainable sailing by subscribing to our newsletter and joining our community on social media. Subscribe now and follow us to be part of the conversation!
Supporting our mission to turn the tide on ocean pollution
and making high-performance, sustainable yachts a reality.
.jpg)
.jpg)
