Offshore Racing Sailboats
Williamson Electronique is a reference partner in the demanding world of offshore racing, providing high-reliability energy solutions to skippers.
Williamson Electronique batteries equip numerous boats engaged in iconic offshore racing competitions, particularly in the IMOCA and ULTIME classes.
With proven expertise in extreme marine environments, Williamson Electronique supports sailors in their most daring challenges, ensuring reliable and optimized power supply, essential for performance, safety, and success in their sea exploits.
Application Scope
Williamson Electronique is a reference in this sector where reliability, lightness, and performance are imperative.
The proper functioning of navigation, communication, signaling equipment, autopilot, desalinator, and canting keel (monohulls) depends on the reliability of the power source, subjected to extremely severe climatic and mechanical constraints.
Without this reliability, which must be flawless 24/7 for several months, victory is impossible, and crew safety is at risk.
Since 2010, the greatest races have been won by teams equipped with Li-Ion batteries and peripheral equipment designed and produced by Williamson Electronique. You can consult the track record below.
Some Applications of Onboard Batteries:
Non-exhaustive range of developments and supplies by Williamson Electronique:
- Permanent magnet generators coupled with the thermal engine to ensure energy production.
- High-efficiency charging systems allowing fuel savings and thus weight gain.
- Li-Ion batteries communicating via a CAN bus (over 7kWh installed on some sailboats).
- Supercapacitors dedicated to the electric keel motor (up to 1500F under 30V) and thermal engine start.
- Human-Machine Interface: diagnostics, data logging, information on remaining autonomy, system health status, etc.
- Specific converters for hydrogenerators, solar panels, wind turbines, etc.
Race Track Record:
- Route du Rhum
- ULTIME: Winners in 2010 (Groupama 3), 2014 (Banque Populaire 7), and 2022 (Maxi Edmond de Rothschild)
- IMOCA: Winners in 2014 (MACIF), 2018 (SMA)
- Transat Jacques Vabre
- ULTIME: Winners in 2017 (Sodebo Ultim), 2021 (Maxi Edmond de Rothschild), 2023 (Banque Populaire XI)
- IMOCA: Winners in 2011 (Virbac Paprec 3), 2013 (PRB), 2015 (PRB), 2017 (St Michel-Virbac)
- Jules Verne Trophy
- Record broken in 2010 (48d 07h 44m): Franck Cammas / Groupama 3
- Record broken in 2012 (45d 13h 42m 11s): Loïck Peyron / Maxi Banque Populaire V
- Current record since 2017 (40d 23h 30m): Francis Joyon / Idec Sport
- Vendée Globe
- Winners in 2013 (MACIF), 2017 (Banque Populaire 8)
- Podium in 2025 (Arkea/Paprec)
- Ocean Race
- Winners in 2012 (Groupama 4)
