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North Sails Loft 57 Podcast

OSCAR continues to transform boating with Outremer shipyard

by OSCAR 22 Apr 2022 06:33 PDT
The OSCAR system is an innovative tool in the quest for detecting unidentified floating objects © OSCAR System

Is there a boat owner that hasn't dreamed of being assisted by an insightful crew member on permanent watch?

With its artificial intelligence solution known as OSCAR, the BSB company is revolutionising boating, making it possible to navigate the oceans day and night with complete peace of mind. The Outremer catamarans yard fully believes in this innovation and is now offering it as an option to its clients who enjoy blue water sailing, whether close to home or circumnavigating the globe.

As such, these two visionary companies are broadening the yachting horizon to offer its clients ever more comfort and safety.

The OSCAR system is an innovative tool in the quest for detecting unidentified floating objects. Using thermal imaging cameras together with artificial intelligence capable of pinpointing, analysing and alerting its crew to any potential surface danger and avoiding it, this technology is essential for any sailor keen to have peace of mind.

OSCAR is the equivalent of another pair of eyes aboard, albeit one that has 360 degrees vision, never tires and can detect objects with the same precision day or night. Designed to detect danger, this insightful tool has more enhanced vision than a human eye and is able to send instantaneous automatic alerts to the various on-board screens (multifunction screen, tablet, smartphone and/or computer).

Since the launch of the system in 2018, OSCAR has been trialled by a series of renowned sailors in the Vendée Globe to collect data in extreme conditions prior to targeted development for cruising. Every OSCAR detection system around the globe now feeds the company's databases to ensure the continuous optimisation of the analysis and pertinence of this microcosm of technology.

The Outremer yard quickly understood the appeal of such a system for clients attracted by the delights of blue water cruising. Owners of these exemplary catamarans built in La Grande Motte share a real passion for cruising and oceanic passages. The enhanced safety provided by this tool is a ticket to more assured sea passages and enjoyable cruising!

The OSCAR system can be viewed at the International Multihull Boat Show in La Grande Motte.

Come along and meet up with the OSCAR teams from 20 to 24 April 2022 in La Grande Motte:

On land:

  • Multihull Club Design and Innovation
  • POCHON stand: H38
  • ROBIN MARINE stand: H44

On-the-water:

  • Outremer 51 equipped with OSCAR

Raphaël Biancale, founder of the BSB Group, inventor of the OSCAR system: "The whole team is very proud to be able to rely on renowned yards like Outremer to roll out its OSCAR systems. Enabling owners to make the most of their boat in complete safety is our priority. Thank you to the Outremer yard for your trust in us. We're delighted to play a part in taking boating to a whole new level alongside them."

Xavier Desmarest, CEO of Outremer - Grand Large Yachting: "Our mission is to enable everyone, regardless of whether or not they're an experienced sailor, to realise their voyaging dreams, whilst respecting the oceans and ensuring they feel safe, confident and supported at every stage of the project. Safety is of paramount importance to us, which is why we seek out innovations and systems able to satisfy the safety requirements aboard our catamarans. Limiting the risk of colliding with a UFO considerably enhances a crew's peace of mind and safety."

Maxime B., owner of an Outremer 5X equipped with OSCAR: "It was during the last Vendée Globe that we first heard about this new radar, OSCAR, which equipped many of the race boats, signalling the presence of obstacles you might encounter during a sea passage: other boats, buoys, sea creatures, containers. OSCAR immediately seemed to us to be an incredibly useful tool as we're heading off around the world for 3 years as a couple with a 9-year-old child on a Catamaran 5X by Outremer. As such, we ordered an OSCAR device, which has quickly become our 3rd crew member, enhancing our safety and on-board comfort substantially. Since we've been sailing with it, we've had two serious alerts using this system, thus avoiding a likely collision.

We're extremely happy with the OSCAR system, which has proven to be really useful. We have absolutely no regrets about this investment."

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