Solar-powered boat completes Atlantic voyage
Dubbed "sun21," the catamaran reached North Cove Marina after a journey of six months and some 13,000 kilometres from Chipiona, Spain, to the Caribbean island Martinique and then along the U.S. East Coast to New York, the Switzerland-based group transatlantic21 said in a statement.
The organization said the 14 metre-boat produced 2,000 kilowatt hours of solar energy during its voyage thanks to a roof of photovoltaic panels mounted above the twin-hulled design.
The solar energy was used to power the boat's electric motors and any surplus was stored in batteries, allowing it to travel at a constant speed of five to six knots (10 to 12 kilometres an hour) day or night, the group's website said.
The group said this shows the crossing can be made entirely without fuel, a claim which could not be independently verified.
"This proves that in our modern society it is indeed possible to travel the world efficiently and still safeguard the environment," said the boat's skipper, Michael Thonney.
Related News
Sudbury, Ont., eco groups say sustainability is key to grid's future
SUDBURY - Sudbury, Ont., is consuming more power than ever, according to green energy organizations that say meeting the demand will require cleaner energy sources.
"This is the welfare of the entire city on the line and they are putting their trust in electrification," said David St. Georges, manager of communications at reThink Green, a non-profit organization focused on sustainability in Sudbury.
According to St. Georges, Sudbury and northern Ontario can meet the growing demand for electricity to charge electric vehicles (EVs) and smart devices.
According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), making a full switch from fossil fuels to other renewable…
