EUROBOIS | PROGRAM | EUROBOIS SUPPORTS THE MARCO POLO PROJECTEUROBOIS SUPPORTS THE MARCO POLO PROJECT
Eurobois believes in collective action as a way to take meaningful steps
toward the positive development of the wood industry.
That’s why, in 2026, Eurobois will become a donor to the Easier Studies endowment fund of ESB (École Supérieure du Bois), in order to support access to education and the sustainability of careers in the wood sector.
Marc Thiercelin, renowned skipper, is taking on a bold challenge: to build the first IMOCA racing boat made of wood and bamboo to compete in the Vendée Globe 2028.
Why?
Starter
To build a large competitive boat using wood and natural fibers. Combining European wood, bamboo, hemp, flax, and nettle with carbon, glass, and resins… to race in major ocean competitions, including the “Everest of the Seas,” the Vendée Globe 2028!
A Triptych
The Man: Highly experienced sailor, competitor, entrepreneur, communicator, leader.
The Boat: Competitive & technological, natural, highly innovative, unique—“the time has come.”
The Vendée Globe: Extreme competition, global and popular adventure, worldwide communication.
The Challenge
No boat, no project. The boat must be built between 2025 and 2026.
It must sail in 2027 to qualify for the Vendée Globe 2028.
The Vision
To pave the way, validate the use of new materials and technologies. To support a generation in what will soon become an obvious choice.
To tell a unique story, reconnect with nature “from seed to chemistry.” To imagine and narrate a new way of building—and all the challenges that come with it!
Yesterday's Option Would Be...
To replicate yet another carbon boat, continue the copy-paste approach. To remain in wishful thinking without taking real action.
Today's Option is
To build a world-first, blending chemical fibers & resins with natural fibers & bio-based resins.
To decarbonize performance. To venture into both the known and the unknown.
Money Matters
Invest €5M for 100,000 hours of creation to build a unique and historic boat.
Return approx. €4M through resale to investors, plus race-related ROI.
To Make It Happen
The goal: -70% CO₂ emissions and 40% lower cost!
Beautiful, highly technological, nature-based, aligned with the society we aspire to…
Recyclable: A boat that can be reborn, made almost entirely of renewable materials. Replicable: New uses and lives for the boat after its racing career.
Generational: Engaging Gen Z & Alpha to write their own story.
Bonus
Reinvent construction, rethink material combinations, break away from old habits. Create a magnificent vessel blending products from the Earth… from seed to chemistry.
Eurobois supports innovation and the wood industry, which is why the trade show stands alongside Marc Thiercelin to support and promote the Marco Polo project.
