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Automated sailing: a paradigm shift for tall ships
The development of a 170 m² automated inflatable sail by Michelin, under the Wisamo brand, marks a turning point for yachting professionals. In association with Berco Design, the company is aiming to integrate this solution on units over fifteen meters in length. This partnership raises technical, ergonomic and industrial issues of direct concern to shipyards, naval architects and equipment manufacturers in the sector.
Naval design: what impact on sailboat architecture?
With no shrouds, runners or visible halyards, the Wisamo system frees the deck from the usual constraints. This opens up new design perspectives, particularly for charter catamarans seeking maximum living space and panoramic visibility. From a structural point of view, however, the installation of a retractable telescopic mast requires specific reinforcements and integration into the deck layout. Automated thrust management also raises the question of new requirements in terms of stability, mass centering and steerability.
The sail is hoisted from the pontoon and folded without manual intervention
The Wisamo sail is designed for minimal handling. The sailor sets a course, adjusts the desired heel, then activates the automated system. The kite positions itself according to the apparent wind, reefing one or more times automatically, and securing itself in difficult conditions. This system is of direct interest to the charter industry, particularly in the French West Indies, where nearly 80% of sailboats are powered. The challenge here is to broaden access to sailing for people with little training, while maintaining a certain level of sailing pleasure.
Industrial know-how: from pneumatics to naval aerodynamics
The development of the Wisamo wing is based on the mastery of technical textiles, inflation and automated control systems. The wing, which takes the form of a rigid inflatable wing, is designed for continuous use, even in light winds. Its retractable mast system requires little maintenance, and avoids the need for dunnage at anchor or in port. For shipyards and integrators, this represents a plug-and-play system that can potentially be adapted to different types of hulls, provided that load and storage space constraints are anticipated.
A system born of maritime transport, adapted to pleasure boating
As early as 2020, the inflatable wing was designed for auxiliary propulsion on commercial vessels, in the same way as for ro-ro and oil tankers. This expertise has now been transposed to pleasure boating, with specific dimensional and ergonomic adaptations. Michelin has announced that Wisamo will equip the future Maritime Affairs patrol boat in 2027, underlining the interest shown by the French government in automated twin screw propulsion. The project, developed between Vannes and Nantes, is part of a strategy to industrialize the product for different segments of the nautical market.
