Arctic Lab Open60AAL

Arctic Lab ultimate world record attempt on an unforgiving ocean

Norbert waving Open60AAL stern after departure © Innovation Yachts

Cheered on by his friends and fans, skipper Norbert Sedlacek departed yesterday at 3.30pm from Port Olona, Les Sables d’Olonne, on his 6th ANT ARCTIC LAB world record attempt.

With the final preparations accomplished Norbert Sedlacek yesterday said good-bye and thank you to all of his friends, fans, partners and the members of the press who had assembled at the Vendée Globe pontoon before departing on this incredible “world’s first” on his Open60AAL.

Open60AAL photo © Innovation Yachts

The start of the course, which will be called the TENRON® Trophy, took place at exactly 16.38 with him crossing the line between “Nouch sud” and the jury’s boat at position 46°28,275 N and 001°47,409 W.

Open60AAL photo © Innovation Yachts

Though the wind conditions leave something to be desired he is now already deep into the Bay of Biscay.

Huge thank you to all our partners, friends and fans for their unwavering support!

We will keep you posted.

The Open60AAL at sea after departure – photo © Innovation Yachts

The Ant Arctic Lab world record attempt – Norbert and his Open60AAL are now under way!

The aim of the AAL project is to sail single handed around the world including Arctic and Antarctic Ocean nonstop and without assistance! It starts on 26th July 2026 in Les Sables d’Olonne (FRA) heading west of the British Islands and then north to Svalbard which will be rounded in the north up to 80°N.

Then, this record attempt will continue south, across the whole Atlantic Ocean to finally rounding Antarctica in the Southern Ocean. After passing Cape Horn the course is again north to reach the start and finish line at Les Sables d’Olonne.

IY Open60AAL Innovation Yachts

The IY Open60AAL – which was designed, developed and built by Innovation Yachts – will deliver ultimate proof of quality, safety, functionality and durability of the Innovation Yachts philosophy.

It’s being built using fully sustainable and recyclable materials and the project will test to the limits “real” boat building solutions – such as recyclable composites, harmless matrix systems and natural core materials.

No fossil fuel ! The IY Open60AAL is fully electric with two electric engines acting also as hydro generators to generate power while sailing.
Energy is also generated by solar panels and both sources allow the IY Open60AAL to be energy self-sufficient.