Nice detail and a wonderful image for the monthly theme contest. Very nice.

Kerby #1990701

Stan - I didn't really know anything about 'Solar Sailor', and wasn't quite sure of what use the craft was being put to, so I did a Google search for 'solar sailor', and came up with some very interesting facts!! :o)

Firstly, I will quote a few statements from the 'Solar Sailor' home site:

http://www.solarsailor.com/

"Green ferries for blue highways"!!

"We are world leaders in the commercialisation of clean, efficient hybrid marine power.

This technology along with our unique solar wing design is revolutionising the way people travel.

Hybrid marine power combines abundant, natural sun and wind energy with conventional engines. The results are vessels offering a compelling return on investment from fuel savings, exceptional passenger comfort and highly reduced environmental emissions."

And this is from the Australian Design Awards page, on what they call the 'Solar Sailor Tourism Ferry':

http://www.designawards.com.au/ADA/00-01/ENGINEERING%20DESIGN/082/082.HTM

"Description -

Hybrid solar/wind/battery/LPG 100 person electric tourist catamaran featuring unique “solar wings” able to sail and collect solar energy.

Principal function(s) -

This vessel was designed as a demonstration of the commercial viability of “hybrid power systems” in the maritime industry. Captain Cook Cruises operates the vessel as a conventional cruise vessel in the competitive tourism market on Sydney Harbour.

Brief as given by client to designer -

This vessel was built “on spec”. We aimed to produce a 100 person, comfortable, open plan, “no column” high efficiency, low wash vessel for commercial operation on Sydney Harbour." (continued below) #2002670

http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/renewable/recp/pv/fourteen.html

"Solar Sailor - A catamaran powered by dual renewable energy.

Solar Sailor is the world's first commercial passenger vessel to be effectively fuelled by wind and sun-either separately or in combination.

A $1 million grant, received by Solar Sailor Holdings Pty Ltd under the Renewable Energy Commercialisation Program, was a key component in achieving the manufacture of the world's first commercially viable passenger vessel powered by dual renewable energy.

Solar Sailor - a 21 metre, 100 seat, multipurpose catamaran - is the brainchild of a medical practitioner living at Ulladulla on the south coast of NSW. It is the first vessel to be efficiently fuelled by the dual energies of the wind and sun and is now operating commercially on Sydney Harbour.

The international spotlight fell on Solar Sailor during the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. This was a major opportunity to not only demonstrate the commercial viability of such vessels powered by a synergy of solar and wind energy, but also to showcase Australia's commitment to innovative renewable energy technologies and greenhouse gas reduction.

The $3 million vessel is the culmination of three years of research and development. Dr Robert Dane, the Managing Director of Solar Sailor was driven to develop it because he believes the world must shift from its dependency on non-renewable fossil fuels." (continued below) #2002675

http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/stories/s382615.htm

"Solar Sailor

4 October 2001
At 4am one morning, country doctor Robert Dane had an idea for a new type of boat. It had the potential to change the world, he thought, so he sold up his medical practice to follow his dream.

The boat is now operational and cruising on Sydney harbour. It's an economical, environmentally-friendly ferry and can run on solar power, wind power, LPG or mains electricity. We look at the technology behind it and take it for a test drive."

These links will take you to a couple of older stories, which may still be of interest:

http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/001882.html

http://www.universalsource.co.uk/show_article.php?id=90

http://www.abc.net.au/science/news/stories/s143623.htm

Hope ALL of that info. answers your questions about the 'Solar Sailor', Stan!! As you can see, it's only a passenger ferry, but who knows what might be down the track as far as a vehicle ferry is concerned!! ;o)

Thanks for asking your question, Stan - at least I'm somewhat more 'Solar Sailor' savvy now!! And yes, Susie - wouldn't it be great to own a beautiful craft like this?!! ;o)

Thank you all again for looking and commenting on 'Solar Sailor', and have a great day/evening wherever you are!! :o) #2002697

Thanks for your very nice comment on Solar Sailor - it's most appreciated!! Glad that you like it!! :o) #2011203