Team Holcim-PRB partners with Hatch Systems: Studying human performance in extreme offshore sailing
by Team HOLCIM - PRB 18 May 16:06 AEST
In an exciting new collaboration, Team Holcim-PRB has partnered with Hatch Systems, Inc. to study the physical and mental effects of one of the world's most demanding sports: offshore ocean racing. This initiative will explore the extreme conditions faced by the team's five elite sailors and the unique combination of endurance, strategy, and resilience required to perform at the highest level.
Ocean racing is a relentless test of human endurance. Sailors must navigate through brutal weather, face sleep deprivation, and make high-stakes decisions around the clock—all while contending with fierce competition. It's a sport where physical exertion, technical precision, and mental toughness are pushed to the limit. In the summer of 2025, Team Holcim-PRB will compete in The Ocean Race Europe, known for its short, high-intensity legs.
To support the team in the lead-up to and during the race, the partnership with Hatch Systems, Inc. will focus on monitoring and analyzing both physiological and psychological responses throughout training and competition. The project builds on previous research conducted during solo offshore events such as the Vendée Globe, which revealed groundbreaking insights.
"During the Vendée Globe, we conducted a study with 15 sailors," says Bérénice Charrez, Founder of Hatch Systems. "The results were eye-opening. On several parameters, the physical state of sailors after the race was nearly identical to astronauts returning from space. This demonstrates the extreme nature of offshore racing. By continuing this research, we aim to raise awareness of the sport's demands while helping each sailor optimize performance, recovery, and long-term health."
The program officially launched at the beginning of May with a comprehensive series of physical assessments for each crew member. In the coming months, sailors will be closely monitored throughout their preparation phase, as well as during The Ocean Race Europe 2025. Using wearable sensors and advanced monitoring equipment installed aboard the green and blue IMOCA, the study will track key metrics such as heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, blood oxygen, activity levels and sleep patterns as well as environmental stressors like temperature, vibration, and onboard noise.
This research initiative aligns with Team Holcim-PRB's recent announcement of a world-class crew for the 2025 race. Skippered by Rosalin Kuiper, the team includes seasoned sailors Carolijn Brouwer, Nicolas Lunven, Franck Cammas, and Alan Roberts—a diverse and talented lineup poised to make waves across Europe.
"This initiative perfectly aligns with our mission," says Seb Col, Team Manager of Team Holcim-PRB "We're here to push boundaries—but we're committed to doing so in a responsible and sustainable way. Understanding how these races impact our crew's bodies and minds helps us train smarter, race safer, and perform at our peak."
At the heart of Team Holcim-PRB's campaign lies the Holcim Spirit - a combination of Purpose, People, and Performance. This partnership with Hatch Systems, Inc. not only reinforces that commitment, it also charts a pioneering path for the future of ocean racing. By combining elite athleticism with cutting-edge science, the team is setting new standards for performance, safety, and care in one of the toughest sports on the planet.