SailGP has teamed up with the universities of Bristol and Cadiz to investigate the underwater noise pollution created on a typical race weekend.
A total of eight underwater sound recorders were strategically deployed around the event location during the Spain Sail Grand Prix, positioned as close to the racing action and on-water spectator zones as possible.
Lowered to a depth of 2m above the seabed, the recorders monitored the areas over a two week period - including eight days before and after the event. This will allow experts to monitor and conclude the impact of a race weekend on the wider marine environment.
The research will specifically focus on the noise pollution created by the different propulsion systems of spectator and chase boats. The aim is to inform how SailGP operates its on-water activities at future events and develop innovative solutions for noise pollution.
Speaking about the project, University of Bristol PHD student, Cathy Hobbs, said: “Events such as these are really leading the way in terms of sustainability in sport and I feel very excited about the prospect of us learning from this research and hopefully trying to change things for the better in the future.”
SailGP transition and innovation manager, Tom Verity, added: “The ocean is our race track and we are continually striving to protect the marine ecosystems in which we race.
“The groundbreaking research done by the Cathy & team in Cadiz, will not only help inform the future operation of SailGP events but will also change the definition of what it means to responsibly operate as a global event on water moving forward.”
