Italian firm Northern Lights Composites (NLcomp), owner of the patented rComposite technology, has just launched what is claimed to be the world’s first recyclable production boat, during the last leg of The Ocean Race (ORC) in Genoa.

The Ecoracer30 is a 9m (30ft) sailboat designed by Matteo Polli, who has extensive experience designing boats capable of winning ORC titles. The boat picked up the Eco-focused Boat of the Year award, sponsored by Marine Resources, at the Boat Builder Awards, held in associaiton with Raymarine, last year, when judges applauded the development work that had gone into making the boat recyclable.

A second Ecoracer30, which is already sold, is currently in build. Two more boats will be built by the end of this year and four next year. NLcomp plans to launch the Ecoracer Sailing Series in the summer of 2025, as soon as it has a fleet of eight boats.

Four years ago, NLcomp, developed this material as a solution to the problem of fibreglass boat disposal. Currently, it is estimated that around 95% of these vessels end up abandoned at the end of their life cycle.

Based in Monfalcone in northern Italy, Nlcomp has developed rComposite technology to solve one of the biggest problems in the nautical industry: fibreglass boats abandoned in shipyards, ports or in the countryside. The solution proposed by NLcomp is simple but revolutionary: replace thermosetting resins with a thermoplastic matrix. This change allows the recovery of raw materials, opening the possibility of recycling them at the end of their life cycle. In addition, by incorporating a combination of natural and synthetic fibres, together with recycled carbon fibres, it guarantees a lower environmental impact even during the construction phase of the boat.

The Ecoracer30 has been developed from the experience gained with the Ecoracer25 prototype which won the Italian Sports Boat Championship in 2022, proving that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand.

The Ecoracer30 sails are 4T Forte from One Sails, currently the only recyclable sails on the market. They can be easily recycled and reused for the production of accessories, such as candle components, bookmarks or sunglasses.

Polli, is both the designer of the Ecoracer boats plus a number of successful projects such as the Italia Yacht 9.98, which won the ORC world championship on its debut, and the Grand Soleil 44, which won two consecutive ORC world championships.