NKE, Icom and TEEM on the Figaro 3
The Figaro Class has selected the companies NKE to supply the electronics (central unit and autopilot), Icom for the communications (VHF and AIS) and TEEM for the integration of this equipment. This pool has been selected to equip the Figaro 3. Indeed, this totally one-design class requires all participants to have strictly identical electronic equipment.
The pilot's remote control as a trigger
These partners have just taken another step forward for the safety of solo sailors by developing the communication between the new VHF Icom IC-M605 and the new MOB NKE device (man overboard device).
Everything starts from the NKE remote control that all the solo sailors carry with them. In case a skipper needs assistance, he will just have to press a button to trigger a DSC message. This message will be sent, like all AIS messages, and will be received by the whole fleet. The fleet will be immediately informed (for the boats that are in radio range) of their colleague's problem by a time-stamped message, including the name of the skipper. Depending on the decision of the race direction, it will then be possible to immediately position the boat thanks to the ASN "Position Request" function of the IC-M605 of the competitors or of the organization and to set up a rescue solution.
In case of a fall overboard, the same procedure can be deployed, but this time automatically without requiring the skipper's intervention. The NKE remote control already integrates this function by acting on the pilot in case of a fall overboard. This time it will also send an AIS message.
Security provided by the competitors among themselves
The system is designed so that the organizers and competitors can ensure their own safety, thus avoiding false alarms to the emergency services. It is up to the organizers, depending on the situation, to call for help.
This positioning system is complementary to that provided by the Icom MA-500TR AIS transceivers which are also included in the Figaro Bénéteau 3 pack.
Testing on February 20, 2018, at NKE's facility with TEEM and Icom.
A "Made in France" partnership
The possibility of interfacing Icom communication devices with NKE electronics was made possible thanks to the Actisense solutions distributed by PST France (Icom subsidiary) and thanks to the internal developments of NKE, Icom and TEEM engineers.
Long involved in race safety (Icom was already present on the Figaro 1...), the authors of this system are moving towards greater safety at sea, especially to watch over solo racers.
Available for all races
Race organizers (especially single-handed) and NKE-equipped sailors will be able to integrate this system into the Icom communication means deployed during the race. The programming carried out by TEEM before the start of a race allows the system to be adapted to the scheme designed jointly with the race director. The flexibility and availability of NKE engineers will allow this system to evolve over time according to possible changes in the radio environment or changes in the regulations and equipment.
