The Défi Azimut is more than just a sporting event; the whole team and its partners are committed to making it a space for reflection and exchange on the future of offshore racing and the wider maritime and nautical ecosystem.

Each year, Bretagne Développement Innovation (Bretagne Next Agency) offers a varied and insightful programme addressing the challenges linked to the sea, innovation and sailing. This year, the programme kicks off on Thursday with workshops on recycling and tackling sexism in offshore racing.

On Friday, the focus shifts to thematic conferences covering materials, recyclability, AI and simulators, in collaboration with Bretagne Sailing Valley, Audélor and the University of Southern Brittany. A unique opportunity to share, discover and reflect together on tomorrow’s challenges and innovations.

👉 Full programme of the 2025 conferences: sailingvalley.bzh

Thursday 18 September: workshops to act differently

Before the day dedicated to the conferences, 2 participatory workshops are on offer:

  •  The sexism fresco in offshore racing and sailing at 9:00 am: a collaborative session to raise awareness of stereotypes and take action towards greater equality, organised with Bretagne Sailing Valley and Anna Le Cossec. Learn more
  • Hands-on recycling workshop: a practical session to better understand and experience recycling solutions, in partnership with the IMOCA Class and the University of Southern Brittany. Learn more

 

Friday 19 September: a forward-looking programme

From 9:00 am, the day will open with a series of keynotes and round tables on the current and future challenges of composites and the nautical industry. Researchers, designers, skippers and industry stakeholders will share their insights and experience throughout the day.  A day also organised by Bretagne Développement Innovation (Bretagne Next Agency) in partnership with Bretagne Sailing Valley, AudéLor and the University of Southern Brittany.

Topics will include:

  • Reducing environmental impact: assessment of the LCA rule after three years, feedback on the use of flax fibres in the Vendée Globe, and exploring the potential of wooden boats.
  • Circular economy and repairability: business models for refits, waste and recycling regulations, and the role of thermoplastics.
  • Cross-sector perspectives: drawing inspiration from other industries such as Outdoor to guide maritime transition.
  • New technologies: in the afternoon, focus on artificial intelligence, with presentations on composite structure design, real-world applications in the maritime sector, and AI for simulators and performance.

A practical and inspiring programme that highlights the spirit of innovation driving offshore racing. Due to their popularity, these conferences are now fully booked. However, you can join the waiting list (last-minute spaces may become available) by writing to [email protected] 

This day reflects the very philosophy of the Défi Azimut: combining performance, innovation and commitment. Blending elite sport with collective reflection, the event reaffirms its role as a full-scale laboratory for shaping the future of offshore racing and the maritime industry.

📍 Join us at the Cité de la Voile Éric Tabarly.