HD-AGM Batteries for the Puma One Racing Sailboat

When Puma Ocean Racing decided to build a new boat for the 2011 Volvo Around the World Race, part of the decision process was the selection of the equipment used on the boat. The decision on batteries was simple. Energy1 - a division of Engines1 and Western Branch Diesel – was the first and only choice.

Several criteria must be met when considering batteries. The batteries must withstand a wide variety of conditions from sub freezing to desert temperatures as well as the constant pounding and vibration found in open ocean racing. The batteries must withstand a deep discharge and accept a high recharge rate from charging equipment. This must be accomplished with minimal fuel consumption and absolute minimal time delay. All equipment on these vessels run on DC power. Additionally the vessels must carry an absolute minimum amount of fuel as fuel adds weight and weight slows the speed and slow boats do not win races.

Based on the performance of the batteries during the 2008 Volvo Around the World Race the Puma Team again selected the Energy1 product as the choice for the 2011 Around the World Race. The original plan was to use 1 set of batteries for boat testing, tuning and the Trans-Atlantic crossing for the race start then switch to a fresh set of batteries for the start of the around the world race. The batteries performed so well that the original batteries were kept in service for the entire first half the the race. Batteries were switched in the Pacific Ocean segment due to an electronic component that caused concern over possible battery damage. In the 2008 VOR the Puma boat finished 2nd overall.

In an email from the Puma Ocean Racing team dated March 2009, Sean wrote:

I have been meaning to touch base with you over the past couple weeks but have failed to do so. The team is currently in Boston after the completion of Leg 6 from Rio last weekend. The start of Leg 7 to Ireland is on Saturday May 16th. We have been greatly satisfied with the performance of the batteries. For the most part everything has exceeded expectations. We did have an issue with our “second set” of batteries when our battery “combiner” shorted.

There are a couple of factors that effect fuel burn rates on these boats: power consumption, main engine vs. generator, alternators and batteries. All teams have taken different approaches to in trying to come up with the best solution. We do not know the exact numbers for all the teams but we do know that we burn a lot less fuel than all the other teams. We are certain that our Energy1 Batteries have contributed to this. This has allowed us to carry less fuel than all the other teams and has been a big advantage to us.

Puma One Racing - Volvo Around the World Race

We are a very pleased with their performance and are thrilled that you were willing to supply them to us. As we near the completion of the event I would like the ability to talk to you guys to see if there is anything else we can learn from all of this. I know that if I was involved in another syndicate I would certainly be looking to use NorthStar/Energy1 batteries again and I am sure other teams would be as well. If there is anything we can answer for you at this end please contact me.

Regards,
Sean PUMA Ocean Racing.