Photos: Solar boat trek--Switzerland to New York
Sun21
Sun21 is a 14-foot catamaran that was built to show the potential of solar energy for water navigation. The 7,000-mile journey from Basel, Switzerland, to New York is expected to finish in the spring of 2007.
Solar power isn't the only alternative energy source getting a trial run on the high seas. The Earthrace Project is planning to enter a round-the-world competition next year with a powerboat that runs on biodiesel--fuel made from plants and animal fats.
slow boat
Given the deliberate pace, no plans are being made for another trip of any length. Backers of the boat are planning to sell it after completing the journey.
solar panels
A roof over the deck of Sun21 contains photovoltaic modules that will collect the energy from sunlight and charge the batteries to keep the boat runnng 24 hours a day.
deck
Sun21 is about 14 meters long and 6.5 meters wide. It will sleep up to 6 people for its journey across the Atlantic but has room for larger groups for visits or short trips. The kitchen is in one hull and toilet is in the other.
the journey
The journey begins with a promotional tour from Basel to Rotterdam along the Rhine River. The boat will then be shipped to Spain where it will being its ocean voyage.
sketch
A sketch of the Sun21.
searching for water
How do you get from Switzerland to New York by boat? Sometimes, you have to navigate roads instead of the seas.