The future of seafaring is solar—or so hopes a small band of pioneers who left Basel, Switzerland, on Monday, to begin the first sun-powered Atlantic Ocean crossing.
They’re aiming to show that it’s feasible to cover long distances without using a drop of gas—or even sails.
“The goal is the promotion of renewable energy and energy efficiency … ,” said Martin Vosseler, a Swiss physician and environmentalist who is helping man the boat.
The motorized catamaran has two polyester hulls and measures 46 feet (14 meters) by 21 feet (6.5 meters). Solar panels cover its 700-square-foot (65-square-meter) roof.
Sun21 was christened on October 16 and then motored up the Rhine River to the North Sea.
The crew will then continue along the coasts of the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, and Spain. In the Spanish town of Seville, they will begin the open-ocean part of the journey in late November.
Good luck, guys. These boats already have a solid track record on inland seas. With today’s communications equipment, they should be able to demonstrate the system’s oceanic capabilities.
I’d probably outfit a production version with sails, too. May as well take advantage of all the free energy that’s available.
Nice to see this being worked-on, but…
With today’s communications equipment, they should be able to demonstrate the system’s oceanic capabilities.
That “roof” of solar panels looks like it would be ripped-off by the first storm they encounter.
I can only assume they will be using “today’s communication equipment” to track – and avoid – any storms along the way.
Good luck to them.
It must be great to have a quiet propulsion system out there, and no smelly fuel or exhaust…
Well, they’ve got at least 20 hrs of battery charge….
The first “solar pwered” crossing was hundreds (if not thousands) of years ago – using wind – powered by the sun.
Fantastic plan and adventure. I wish I could have joined you guys. All the best and may you succeed.