Effetto Venturi off to a flying start

The uniqueness of the buoys of Effetto Venturi lies in their versatile utility. Water sports event organizers face considerable challenges in precisely placing buoys in deep water. Traditional methods involving anchors are not only time-consuming but also environmentally harmful, with anchoring frequently restricted due to its impact on marine ecosystems. GiPSy offers a solution to these challenges, presenting an autonomous, electrically powered buoy controlled by an autopilot system. Effetto Venturi has crafted a lightweight and plug-and-play product adaptable for various applications beyond sports, including research and temporary water delimitation.

Since its successful debut in competitive sailing events nearly two years ago, GiPSy has achieved significant recognition. Effetto Venturi has successfully expanded its presence globally, as proved by the customers’ section showcased on their website, featuring major organizations such as the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, as well as several national sailing federations and yachting clubs, ranging from France to Hungary, Denmark to Chile, Italy to South Africa, and of course Switzerland. Founder Valentina Venturi commented: “Our journey has just begun but has already been incredibly rewarding. GiPSy has not only received positive feedback from customers such as Yacht Clubs but has also found applications in swimming and rowing competitions. In 2023, our buoy was even employed for an unexpected new application, being used as a precise reference on the water during an airshow by Frecce Tricolore, the national aerobatic team of the Italian Air Force.”

Setting sail for the future

As Effetto Venturi sets its sights on the future, the primary goal remains cost reduction and the initiation of industrial-scale production. Valentina Venturi and her team are committed to ongoing product development, with significant improvements scheduled for 2024. These enhancements encompass a recyclable hull employing the roto-moulding technique and the introduction of a quadruple-thruster version, providing enhanced power and redundancy.

Effetto Venturi’s future is also marked by a project in the developmental phase: GiPSy-mini. Anticipating a crowdfunding campaign this summer, this compact yet versatile buoy is designed for various applications. Beyond water sports training, GiPSy-mini holds potential for ocean research, offers an eco-friendly alternative for light displays, and contributes to environmental preservation by delimiting protected areas.