As Miriam Payne and Jess Rowe embark on their 8,000-mile odyssey across the Pacific Ocean, the cutting-edge equipment they rely on plays a vital role in ensuring their safety, efficiency, and communication during this epic voyage. As proud sponsors, we're thrilled to follow their incredible journey.

Many of the features that make this gear indispensable are, or were, protected by intellectual property (IP) rights, from patents on sophisticated technologies to trade marks on brand names and designs.

In this first article of our series, we delve into several key pieces of equipment the team will rely on during their expedition. Some of the items will be used every day; others, only in an emergency. We begin with the most important piece of equipment – the boat, Velocity.

Velocity – The Boat: Engineered for the Pacific Challenge

The cornerstone of any ocean rowing expedition is a purpose-built vessel, capable of withstanding the relentless demands of the open sea. Typically constructed from a robust combination of fibreglass and carbon fibre, with strategic Kevlar reinforcement, these boats are meticulously designed to optimise every inch of space for a multi-month voyage. This includes dedicated areas for sleeping, equipment, and the vast quantities of sustenance required. Notably, traditional toilet facilities are forgone in favour of more pragmatic solutions.

Velocity, the Seas the Day team's vessel, is based on the 30-foot Rossiter Ocean 2 design, but has undergone significant modifications to prepare it for the challenges of the Pacific. Recognising the critical importance of reliable power, the team has implemented a sophisticated electrical system, featuring not only the standard two lithium batteries, but also a third backup battery, maintained on a trickle charge as a precautionary measure.

Furthermore, Velocity is equipped with an EFOY fuel cell, providing an alternative power source to complement the solar panels. This fuel cell ensures a constant and reliable energy supply for the boat's essential electronic systems, even during extended periods of overcast weather. The underlying technology for such fuel cells often involves complex utility patents, covering aspects of their chemical processes and energy conversion.

To ensure the integrity of the vessel's hull and prevent potential leaks, an Airmar blanking unit has been installed. This unit effectively seals any unused through-hull fittings, minimising the risk of water ingress and enhancing the boat's overall safety. Devices like these, designed for specific marine applications, can be protected by utility patents for their novel functionality.

The boat's layout is crucial for the team's efficiency and comfort. At the bow, a dedicated cabin provides sleeping quarters for one crew member and offers valuable storage space. The stern cabin, while capable of accommodating two, typically houses only one rower at a time, allowing the other to focus on rowing. This cabin also serves as the nerve centre for the boat's electronic systems, including the hydraulic rudder system and water maker pumps. A hatch at the stern provides access to the rudder system for maintenance.

The deck, the primary workspace, is where two rowers are constantly engaged in propelling the boat forward. For safety, each rower is equipped with a harness and secured to jackstays running along both sides of the deck. Six spacious hatches provide access to further storage, some large enough to accommodate a crew member.

Fun Fact: The sheer volume of food required for the journey is staggering, with the team planning to consume approximately 5,000 calories per person per day for the duration of their six-month voyage, filling the majority of the boat's storage space.

The recent incident where the team had to return to port due to a broken rudder further highlights the critical need for robust components. The swift manufacturing of replacement rudders by Ben and his team from Southgates Boatyard demonstrates how rapid innovation, and potentially new design or utility patents for improved components, are vital for overcoming challenges in such extreme environments. This resilience allowed Miriam and Jess to restart and cover over 950nm in 21 days. 

Sponsorships - Brand Protection 

Beyond the internal mechanics and structural integrity, the exterior of Velocity serves as a visible testament to the support behind the expedition. The numerous sponsor logos, including Secerna, prominently displayed on the hull each represent valuable intellectual property. These logos are typically protected by trade mark rights, safeguarding the brand names and distinctive brand insignia of the supporting companies. In some cases, the unique visual elements of a logo might also be protected by design rights or copyright, particularly if they involve original artistic works.  

This array of protected marks underscores the commercial aspect of the challenge, where sponsors gain visibility for their contribution, relying on their IP to establish recognition and value.

Follow the progress of the team at Seas the Day - Ocean Rowing Team | Ocean Rowing.