German industrial automation manufacturer ifm and Team Malizia sailing team have entered into a technical partnership.
As part of the collaboration, ifm will equipp Team Malizia’s newest IMOCA racing yacht with advanced sensors that deliver real-time insights into key onboard systems.
The aim is to support performance optimisation and safety at sea, while demonstrating the capabilities of ifm’s sensor technology.
“These boats are prototypes and there are already many data variables we monitor constantly,” explained skipper Boris Herrmann.
“But offshore racing at this level is about chasing performance in every small margin and every new piece of reliable information helps us better understand the boat and how to optimise it.
“Innovation is essential, but the technology also has to work reliably in some very demanding conditions.”
Final build stages
Team Malizia’s IMOCA yacht is currently entering the final stages of its build and is expected to launch at the end of June.
The sensor system includes multiple types of sensors across different areas of the boat, measuring a wide range of parameters.
One key application is pressure sensors used to precisely monitor the volume of water in the ballast tanks, a factor that influences boat balance and performance.
Another key development is the implementation of ifm’s radar sensors, through which Team Malizia will be able to monitor the flying height and attitude of the new IMOCA.
Practical insights
Further sensor applications are being integrated across other systems on board, with additional development planned in the coming years, including areas linked to energy management, sustainability and safety.
All the ifm sensors on board will transmit data to ifm’s moneo Cloud platform in real time.
“This partnership provides valuable practical insights and is a logical step towards further strengthening our technological leadership,” said ifm co-CEO Martin Buck.
The partnership will support Team Malizia’s racing programme over the coming years, including The Ocean Race Atlantic 2026, The Ocean Race 2027 and ultimately preparation for the single-handed Vendée Globe 2028 campaign.
