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The Vendée Globe is not only a thrilling human and sporting adventure but also a significant scientific contribution, often unnoticed by the public. Since 2015, the IMOCA Class has collaborated with UNESCO to involve sailors in oceanographic research. This partnership aims to enhance the understanding of global climate and ocean health by carrying advanced instruments to measure crucial ocean parameters.
In the upcoming 2024 Vendée Globe, 25 skippers will carry measurement instruments to transform the race into a “floating scientific station” around the globe. These instruments, provided by major players in ocean research, will collect valuable data, particularly in under-sampled regions like the Southern Ocean. This mission will improve weather forecasting services and provide crucial information for Climate change studies.
The collaboration between sailors and scientists is a win-win relationship. By deploying weather buoys, sailors benefit from improved weather forecasts during the race, while also contributing essential data to the global scientific community. The data collected by these instruments feeds into the Global Ocean Observing System, aiding in weather and climate prediction models.
During the 2024 Vendée Globe, various scientific instruments will be on board the boats, including Argo floats and drifting buoys for collecting real-time marine weather data. Additionally, the innovative project led by sailor Paul Meilhat and Biotherm focuses on studying plankton and Marine ecosystems with an automatic microscope.
The future of this collaboration looks promising, with the aim to equip all boats in future editions of the Vendée Globe with measurement instruments. Thanks to these partnerships, IMOCA skippers are not just competitors at sea but also ambassadors for science, contributing to ocean preservation and climate research.
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Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.
