We sail the Southwest, without diesel, testing new ideas, methods and technologies, gathering valuable performance and ocean data from the systems onboard, increasing Ocean literacy and providing demonstrations as we sail.
In order to facilitate enough stored power onboard without resorting to fossil fuel, the Research & Development team look to emerging energy storage, testing the latest Fuel Cell and battery technology.
With consultancy, design, installation and supply services, the Sail Electric team focuses on the decarbonisation of the legacy fleet throughout the UK.
Project Nazca
Nazca was the perfect candidate to say no to diesel. Our sailboat is a 1984 Contessa 34 offshore one design, fully electric, and prepared for expedition sailing undertaking marine science missions.
As a one design she was originally produced as a racing yacht - a well proven, robust and seaworthy boat. We set the challenge to sail the South West using only electric without a diesel backup. Nazca is the first vessel of her kind to sail the Bristol Channel.
Since we launched her back in March, we've had the most amazing experience and support, with over thousands of miles sailed since launch, there is no diesel support, she is self sustaining, using only regeneration from the prop under sail, the advanced solar on the stern and finitely managed with the advanced power management on board.
She wintered in Padstow, and as the sun got lower, we plugged into the pontoon to keep the batteries topped up and to run a heater now and again to dry the boat out. With 2022 well under way, we have yet more firsts and ever greater ambition with Nazca our little sailboat.
Oceanvolt & Hydrogen
The current method for range extension is a diesel generator. This standard of design has profound implications for cleaner harbours and coastal areas, as the majority of the motoring work done is by battery.
The next stage for Nazca is implementing 100% clean range extension, and improving the regeneration capability.
This is by way of a prototype Hydrogen fuel cell, and Oceanvolt ServoProp, both planned for later in 2022.
