It is one of the most virtuous and dynamic classes in offshore racing. But Class40 is also in tune with the times. Encouraged by a generation of sailors sensitive to the decarbonization of racing and the protection of ecosystems, members have decided to deepen their commitment by following the objectives set by Paris 2030. An initial audit has been carried out in this context, and the results are particularly promising.
The method. An audit carried out by a certified consultancy
As part of its reflection and commitment to the environment, Class40 has launched an ambitious program. The aim is to collectively identify areas for improvement in order to become the most virtuous class in offshore racing.
As a first step, the class decided to carry out an assessment, using the “Bilan Carbone® Method” (carbon footprint) defined by Ademe (the French Agency for Ecological Transition) with the accredited and certified consultancy firm Green You Up, in partnership with BPI (the French Public Bank of Investment). One of the founders of Green You Up, Maxime Cauwe, is particularly sensitive to the subject: he competed twice in the Route du Rhum on a Class40.
"The aim of this approach is to encourage new partners to join the Class, while ensuring that their carbon footprint is as limited or optimized as possible. The economic players who invest in Class40 should no longer see their carbon footprint impacted, but on the contrary they should ultimately be able to improve their CSR footprint. This should create a positive alchemy," says Cédric de Kervenoaël, President of Class40.
The findings. A smaller carbon footprint than elsewhere
L’équipe permanente de l’association Class40 ainsi que celles de 50 bateaux ont participé au travail de recherche en collectant leurs données de 2023. L’audit de l’existant a permis d’établir que l’ensemble de l’écosystème autour de ses 50 bateaux avait le même impact carbone que celui engendré par 200 Français en un an pour une communauté de coureurs et de team d’au moins 500 personnes.
Au total, 1899 tonnes de CO2 ont été générées par l’activité des Class40. Ces émissions sont liées essentiellement aux déplacements (à hauteur de 40%), à la construction des bateaux (27%) et au retour en cargo (25%).
Les Class40 font donc office de bons élèves parmi les multiples catégories de la course au large. À titre d’exemple, alors qu’ils composaient près de la moitié de la flotte à la dernière édition de la Transat Jacques Vabre (actuelle Transat Café L’Or Normandie Le Havre), les Class40 n’engendraient que 9,9% des émissions CO2. De façon plus générale, alors que la Class40 peut représenter jusqu’à 50% d’une course, son empreinte sera moindre jusqu’à 60% par rapport aux autres classes.
The future. Areas for optimisation and actions
At the same time, a number of areas for optimisation are being explored: cargo returns, which have already been significantly reduced (only 15 boats in 2023) and will be further reduced by the creation of return races (the Défi Atlantique, the 40 NIJI); limiting travel, notably by favoring circular races that finish where they start from; and strengthening actions in favor of the environment.
Following this 1st carbon assessment, we are also looking into the durability of the boats. Here again, they have proved that they can be competitive for a long time. But to ensure that the oldest boats in the fleet continue to sail, and with sustainability in mind, the association continues to showcase the older, “pointed” boats, by creating a ranking in the annual championship.
For Cédric de Kervenoaël, "it's crucial that all Class40s can remain in the circuit for the long term. Between the Vintage category a few years ago, the creation of specific prizes and the attention paid to the “pointed” boats, we are contributing to both the growth of the class and its sustainability". As a result, some of the first Class40s launched are still taking part in the circuit (n°1, 4, 32 and 89), as is the first scow, a new-generation boat with a rounded bow, (n°158) which is still fighting for places of honor by finishing second in The Transat CIC 2024 and winning the CIC Med Channel Race a few weeks ago. It should be noted that in 2025, 23 measurement certificates were issued for pointed boats and 31 for scows."
Lessons learned. “Definitely sustainable DNA!”
The findings are particularly positive, as they demonstrate that Class40 is already virtuous. For Maxime Cauwe of Green You Up, "the audit highlighted that a certain number of class and measurement rules were also important levers for limiting the carbon impact of the class. The results confirm Class40's positioning, particularly with regard to the lifespan of equipment, materials used and cost control. The DNA of the class is definitely sustainable!"
An observation that is sure to find a favorable echo with partners looking to get involved in Offshore Racing. Class40 offers a dynamic and virtuous circuit, in which cost control is one of the strong points thanks to the vigilance of the class and the low impact that rising energy prices will have on its boats compared to other categories. At the same time, particular attention is paid to reducing carbon footprint. This guarantees exciting regattas, while preserving marine ecosystems and the environment as much as possible.
NOTEWORTHY FIGURES
- 1,899 tonnes of CO2 were generated by the Class40s in 2023
- 40% of these emissions were linked to transport, 27% to the boats and 25% to cargo returns
- 9.9% of the total carbon emissions of the Transat Jacques Vabre were generated by the Class40s, which represented 46% of the fleet.
Watch the presentation again : Bilan Carbone Class40
To download the press kit : Kit partenaires - Bilan carbone - Class40 - Google Drive
About Class40 : A key category in offshore racing, Class40 has brought together 40-foot (12.19 m) boats since its creation in 2004. The class is represented by an association which decides on the rules and the calendar. The 180 members are committed to cost control and the importance of a reasonable budget. Class40 takes part in the major events in the sport, the Route du Rhum Destination Guadeloupe every four years and the Transat Café l'Or Normandie Le Havre every two years. The calendar is particularly rich, with races held all over the world, whether single-handed, double-handed or crewed.
https://www.class40.com/en/index/
About Green You Up : Founded by Yoann Dutien, Alexandre Joncour and Maxime Cauwe in 2023, Green You Up aims to meet the expectations of stakeholders (institutions, companies, associations...). Specializing in CSR strategy, carbon footprint assessment, certification and organizational change management, Green You Up currently employs 8 people, with offices in Paris, Lyon and Bordeaux. https://www.green-you-up.fr/
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