Exail to equip skippers Eric Bellion and Jean Le Cam with Hydrins navigation system for Vendée Globe

Eric Bellion © YvesQuere

Jean Le Cam © Francois Van Malleghem

Exail, a global leader in inertial navigation technology, has been selected to equip the boats of French skippers Eric Bellion and Jean Le Cam with Hydrins Inertial Navigation System (INS) for the upcoming Vendée Globe.

By delivering highly accurate and reliable navigation data, Hydrins will play a crucial role in enhancing both the performance and safety of the skippers during this offshore race, which is one of the most challenging and prestigious in the world.

Hydrins features advanced sensors and data processing algorithms, providing a heading accuracy of 0.01 degrees and a maximum data output frequency of 200Hz with minimal latency. This enables optimal integration with the boat's autopilot system, facilitating precise course adjustments and speed control. Such capabilities are critical for responding effectively to the rapidly changing conditions encountered during the race.

At sea, this will allow the skippers to make quick, informed strategic decisions, essential for improving their overall race performance. The system's robust design and ability to operate autonomously, even in the event of GNSS signal loss, will ensure safe and efficient navigation throughout the race, especially during its most challenging moments.

Commenting on the partnership, Eric Bellion said: "Having Hydrins onboard gives me an extra level of confidence in my navigation. It allows me to focus more on my race strategy, knowing I have reliable data at all times."

Jean Le Cam added: "In a race like the Vendée Globe, precision is everything. Exail technology provides us with the reliability we need to navigate safely and efficiently. We have full trust in Hydrins, not just for its exceptional performance, which is well-known in the world of competitive sailing, but also for the high level of support provided by Exail's team throughout the installation and setup process, ensuring we are well-prepared for the race."

Quentin Chiche, Regional Sales Manager at Exail, stated: "We are proud to collaborate with such distinguished sailors as Eric Bellion and Jean Le Cam. Their experience and dedication to solo offshore racing align with our commitment to delivering innovation and performance. Hydrins will be central to ensuring the precision and reliability required for optimal navigation during the race."

The Vendée Globe is widely regarded as one of the most grueling endurance tests in professional sailing, pushing both sailors and their technology to the limit. Exail's involvement in this race further solidifies its position as a leading provider of high-performance inertial navigation systems, with more than 80% of racing boats worldwide equipped with its technology.