To wrap up 2024, we’re thrilled to welcome Nico Cymbalist to the show. Calling from California, Nico will introduce us to Clippership, one of the few wind propulsion projects in the US.

Nico, an aerodynamic specialist and former engineer at Mercedes Formula One and Tesla, founded Clippership a year ago with three partners. The company’s ambition is to transport pallets faster and more cost-effectively than existing methods.

In this captivating interview, Nico shares how his passion for sailing and autonomy led him to secure investment from 50 Years, a renowned California-based venture capitalist firm. 

Unlike the traditional European approach, Clippership’s development strategy is distinctively innovative. They embrace the credo: start small, fail fast, learn and grow faster.

Besides discussing the project, Nico offers fresh insights into the development of sailing cargoes and highlights the roadblocks encountered on this recent journey.