SUSTAINABLE VISION

DISCOVERY has a brave vision. This isn’t a small stab at creating slightly more environmentally-friendly craft, this is a core focus, built into the fabric of the business from day one. Dan Couchman sets the bar high: ‘One of my ambitions is to make what is truly the most sustainable blue water boat on the planet.’

By Gael Pawson

Sailing, by its very nature, brings people closer to the power and importance of the planet. Many sailors, including ocean yacht racing giants such as Ellen MacArthur and Dee Caffari are leading the change, seeking cleaner oceans and more sustainable models. ‘When you’ve got a global problem, like climate change, it’s a ticking clock,’ states Dan. ‘The market is changing too,’ he adds. ‘You’ve got a younger demographic coming through who are incredibly conscious of the planet, the degradation that’s taking place and the need to do something about it. Increasingly, they will be influencing purchasing decisions. ‘Greener design not only lowers emission levels, but also reduces operating costs and adds to the residual resale value. Critically, if you buy the wrong thing now, it will depreciate at a more rapid rate because the market will not be there in 10 years’ time.’ And so, by embracing this change, DISCOVERY is futureproofing both the business and the boats it produces.

New innovations

New products, such as sustainable resins and composites together with greener power systems and other advancements will be key to achieving Discovery’s goals. ‘We’re working on new methods and materials,’ explains Dan. ‘Were collaborating, for example, with the University of Plymouth, which has a very strong composites department. ‘I think it’s about redefining the building industry landscape by introducing the innovations and experiences that surpass the current industry standards. It’s easy for companies to greenwash, but I’ve spent at least the last 12 years focusing on this. ‘I think if you’ve got the right mindset you’re experimenting, you’re trying things out, you’re willing to change and adapt and bring expertise in. We can react and change quickly, and adopt the correct foundations that are going to be more viable in the longer term.’

Collaborating for change

This all results in DISCOVERY offering a much more sustainable sailing boat, which will feed into the wider marine industry. ‘The way to meet the huge challenge we face is by sharing information,’ says Dan. It’s the only way to accelerate things. Because it’s critical to our DNA, we can afford to be very creative on the sustainability front. I think that small businesses can catalyse change if what they’re doing is the right thing to do. ‘There’s an amazing collective passion and heritage that’s driven the marine industry forward over centuries. We’re saying, build on all the good stuff, but fast track some of these new things now.’

DISCOVERY will…

• Reduce the impact of industrial processes and materials
• Support the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity
• Connect with the marine industry’s leading technical experts and academia
• Continuously innovate design, production and refit processes
• Make eco-friendly substitutions and adopt energy-saving solutions
• Reduce impacts AND costs without compromising quality or performance