In the yachting world, there are two major divisions, motor powered and sail powered. Not only is sail power quieter, with only the flapping of the sails in the wind and the sound of the hull slicing through the water, the power of the wind is freely available and clean. In contrast, motor power is definitely not quiet, you are limited by the amount of fuel you can carry, and there is some non-trivial pollution given off into the air and water.
Now there is a third division coming into the picture – solar powered yachts. The motorcar giant VW is partnering with the small but rapidly growing company “Silent Yachts” to bring to market a very promising design. Solar energy from panels on every horizontal surface is stored in batteries which in turn drive electric motor systems that turn the propellers. Some are calling them the “Teslas of the Seas.”
About a dozen Silent Yachts are already operational and their partnership with VW will certainly make those numbers increase rapidly for sure.
Sailors are always checking to see if the wind is up. Those who choose to go Solar will always be checking to see if the sun is out. Both quietly exploring the serenity of being on the open sea. – Dr. Tom
