French sailing team MerConcept has entered into a strategic partnership with SAS Institute to integrate artificial intelligence into offshore racing operations, targeting both performance gains and sustainability improvements.
Through SAS’s advanced analytics tools, MerConcept can now process nearly 80 data parameters in real time, enabling more precise decision-making during races. The system allows teams to optimize navigation, energy consumption, and overall boat performance under varying conditions.
Initial testing on the SVR-Lazartigue trimaran has already identified new performance optimization levers, demonstrating the potential of AI-driven insights in competitive sailing.
Beyond racing, the collaboration also aims to explore applications in maritime decarbonization, aligning with broader environmental goals in the sector. The long-term objective is to refine these technologies ahead of major events such as the Route du Rhum.
This partnership highlights the growing role of data and AI in elite sports, where marginal gains and energy efficiency are becoming critical differentiators.