ALTEN joins the industrial project "Zephir" to promote cross-disciplinary innovation collaboration, apply innovative management models to sports, and drive technological advancement. The name of the Zephir Project comes from the Greek wind zephyr, which means a warm and gentle breeze. This reflects the aim of the project: to go very fast on the water without a large expenditure of energy.

Co-founders Marc Amerigo and Antoine Albeau talked to us about the project and its ambitions, "This project is both a human and a technological adventure. We want to glide over water, and we want to achieve this while leaving a very small environmental footprint. " Because our planet has limits. It’s about going very fast and being eco-responsible at the same time: replacing carbon fiber while completely changing the structures, the materials, to mimic a fish.

The video was recorded earlier. Please refer to the article for relevant data.

Marc Amerigo

Co-founder of the Zephir project

The Zephir Project centers squarely on the design of equipment to deliver high performance with a low carbon footprint. Another important objective is to raise awareness of tomorrow’s challenges – and to prepare to address them. “The innovations we develop,” says Marc “can naturally be transposed to anything that glides on water or air, or that draws energy from them – for example wind power, marine energy, eco-mobility. The fruit of our collective intelligence combined with the highest technology will open up infinite applications, with the greatest respect for our planet.”

Antoine Albeau

Co-founder of the Zephir project

The trials include tests in wind tunnels at the Institut Aérotechnique (IAT), a French public research laboratory specializing in aerodynamic studies. “The IAT has an exceptional history,” says Marc. “It houses the S1 wind tunnel – one of France’s first – built by Gustave Eiffel in 1914.”

In addition to reducing overall drag, the objective of the wind-tunnel tests is to help Antoine Albeau feel maximum stability when sailing. This enables him to increase the power he transmits to his board, boosting his speed. “It was a great experience,” says Antoine enthusiastically at the end of the trials. “Thanks to a special speed suit, my sensations were new and exciting, as if the airstream were much less turbulent around me!” Coming from a man with 26 world titles and accustomed to traveling at speeds up to 53.27 knots, this speaks wonders.

The image shows the wind tunnel of the French Institute of Aeronautics and Space (IAT).

Sustainable Innovation

Innovation is an integral part of our DNA at ALTEN. We push the boundaries through science and sport, fostering sustainable innovation and passion. ALTEN and the Olympics share many core values, including the pursuit of excellence, teamwork, and perseverance. These values are evident both on the sports field and in the ALTEN. As a dedicated innovation partner, ALTEN will continue to invest in sports science research to help more athletes achieve outstanding performance.

You are invited to explore this exciting innovation journey together: