First Solar Atlantic Crossing Attempt Is Underway
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 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.
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.
Posted: Sat - November 4, 2006 at 08:52 AM