Intrepid sailor plans to set sail in a Solar Circumnavigator

With the aim to give the world a solar wake-up call, an intrepid sailor plans to set sail in a 60 foot solar-powered boat. This project is supported by the Peoples Projects Foundation, with Anthony Howarth who is building this Solar Circumnavigator. This boat won’t include any internal combustion engines, sails or wind generators with the exception of cooking fuel. It is expected to set sail in 2010 or 2011 and if it sails before the Planet Solar, it could be the first solar-powered boat to make a trip round the world.

Howarth confirmed that the boat will feature cells with 30 percent efficiency that self-orient towards the sun. this will allow the boat to have 50% more power compared to a fixed solar array. The cells will power a DC motor driving six fixed-speed propellers that will be activated in pairs as needed. Howarth also claimed that the multi-propeller setup is more efficient than variable-speed propulsion. The boat will also be made from renewable plywood adding to its eco-friendly appeal.
[Wired]