
Innovation & Sustainability
Onboard Research - Sailing as a lab for research and innovation
FUTURA is not just a racing yacht: it’s a moving research platform, a driver of sustainable innovation, and an accelerator for change. Every wave overcome, every mile sailed is an opportunity to collect data, test new technologies, and prove that a sustainable approach is possible.

Through the FUTURA program, sailing becomes the launchpad for a wide ecosystem of initiatives ranging from environmental protection and technological research to education and awareness. It’s a journey without boundaries, where every discovery fuels the next.
THE INITIATIVES
THE FUTURA PROGRAM

01. Environmental monitoring & citizen science
The oceans are the beating heart of our planet, but to protect them, we first need to understand them. On board FUTURA, advanced oceanographic instruments collect data on temperature, salinity, and atmospheric conditions, supporting biodiversity monitoring and marine pollution studies. In partnership with the University of Milano-Bicocca, we’re developing innovative scientific protocols to assess ocean health and the impact of human activities.

02. Open data for scientific research
The information collected at sea doesn’t stay on board: all data from FUTURA is shared via the EMODnet Physics platform, contributing to global research on climate change, maritime safety, and ocean dynamics.
Open and accessible science is the key to a more resilient future.

03. Innovation in materials and energy
FUTURA is more than a boat; it’s a testing ground for the naval engineering of tomorrow. We test innovative and recyclable materials, reducing the environmental impact of boatbuilding without compromising performance. At the same time, we explore ways to boost onboard energy efficiency by integrating renewable energy systems.

04. Human performance in ocean racing
Ocean races push the limits of the human body and mind. In collaboration with experts in nutrition, cardiology, and sports medicine, FUTURA studies the effects of sleep deprivation, diet, and physical stress on skipper performance.
The goal: to develop strategies that improve endurance, safety, and well-being during long-distance sailing.
RESEARCH TEAM
LEADING THE CHANGE

Arianna Liconti
Maccaferri Futura Ocean Science Coordinator, Marine Ecologist and Citizen Science Expert

Francesco Sailu
Environmental Chemist and researcher for University Milano – Bicocca

Matteo Fiorini
Sales Engineer for NAVICO GROUP

Antonio Novellino
Coordinator of EMODnet Physics

Michael Oellermann
SOOP Technology Transfer Manager at Alfred Wegener Institute

Stephan Deschner
Researcher at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon
OBJECTIVES

Educating and inspiring the next generation
Innovation should not remain in the hands of a few: it must be shared and passed on. FUTURA brings themes of sustainability, science, and innovation into schools and universities through educational programs, workshops, and student meetups.
The mission is to inspire and train the next generation, building a network of young ambassadors for change.

From ocean to land: sustainable solutions beyond sailing
The challenges we face at sea can become solutions on land. Technologies developed through FUTURA are already finding applications in civil engineering and environmental protection.
In particular, the program contributes to research on innovative materials, sustainable production processes, and solutions to coastal erosion, helping protect communities and ecosystems threatened by climate change.
Every mile sailed is a step toward the future
Each race is more than a sporting challenge. it’s a real-world opportunity to test innovations, collect scientific data, and raise awareness. FUTURA is a constantly evolving program, growing, adapting, and expanding its impact every day.
RACING TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE