The IMOCA class takes another important step on its sustainability journey. The old Green Sail rule gets a big update and a new name: Reduced Impact Sail Evaluation (RISE).
IMOCA was the first offshore racing class to address greenhouse gas emissions in sail manufacturing. Previously, the Green Sails rule required each team to produce one sail that adhered to specific guidelines focused on minimizing energy use, waste, and transportation emissions. With RISE, the rule has transformed into a certification system that ensures compliance and provides measurable proof of reduced environmental impact.
The team at Quantum Sails Lorient worked with IMOCA skippers Sebastien Marsset and Oliver Heer to design, build, and test headsails and mainsails for the current Vendee Globe. Across the world, Quantum is proud to have contributed more than 350 hours to manufacturing these sails, in adherence to the RISE initiative, since February 2024.
"It has been a pleasure to work with Quantum over the past few years," says Imogen Dinham-Price, IMOCA Sustainability co-manager. "We started working with the Lorient loft and now we are working alongside the whole organization with the implementation of RISE. So far, the outcomes have been really promising and we look forward to continuing our work together with the launch of RISE."
The Reduced Impact Sail Evaluation streamlines the process of assessing sails' emissions and overall environmental footprint. Using the MarineShift360 platform, sailmakers can calculate impacts with precision, identify areas for improvement, and enhance their production processes. To achieve RISE certification, sailmakers must meticulously track materials, methods, and data throughout the sail's lifecycle.
Currently in its trial phase, RISE is establishing baselines and a grading system for certification within the IMOCA class. Starting next year, teams must add a second reduced-impact sail to their inventories. The ultimate goal is for World Sailing to adopt RISE and extend its use to other sailing classes.
Quantum Sails has been deeply involved in this initiative, from developing the original Green Sails rule to the evolution of RISE. We're proud to contribute to this groundbreaking project and are excited about the sustainable innovations it will bring to the IMOCA class and beyond. Visit our sustainability hub for more on Quantum’s efforts.