Solar-powered catamaran on Transatlantic trip into record books

At first blush, it appears the record breaking aspect of this journey is the use of solar power using solar panels.

I believe the Vikings, Mayan Indians, Phoenicians, and other assorted peoples of this world, including Christopher Columbus, have already crossed several oceans using solar power. That is wind.

It seems to me that science will gain a better understanding on how to utilize solar panels in the open ocean. Issues like prohibiting corrosion, preventing the panels from becoming sails and forcing the boat of course, etc. will provide learning experiences. But I believe I need an education on why duplicating previous maritime voyages can be called record breaking. I must be missing something.

Unfortunately, as an avid sailor, I have to agree.

There are also other boats with electric power and sail combinations that do not need fuel and are in full production.

Lagoon has several of these catamarans available for charter sailing in the Carribean!!

And before you nay-sayers chime in, yes that one has a diesel generator on board, but you could easily drop it - read the "too much power" section.

I think this project is more about getting funding to take a boat trip than good science. I doubt anything learned on this trip will cause the technology to become more viable than sails. I would much rather see an investigation into automated fixed wing sailing that could be used as a commercial tool rather than a solar boat that will likely never be used as a commercial vessel.

Stephan