Message #558 From:
TheMachine Date: February 23, 2008 07:45:57 AM
69 Year Old Attempts Record Hawaii to Japan Trip in Wave Powered Boat
Ken-ichi
Horie, a 69 year old Japanese sailor, is planning a solo 4,350 mile
trip from Hawaii to Japan using the most advanced wave powered boat on
the planet. If successful, the trip would earn him a Guinness record
while simultaneously proving the viability of wave powered propulsion.
His boat, the Suntory Mermaid II, turns wave energy into thrust using
two fins mounted beneath the bow. These fins move up and down with the
waves and use them to generate "kicks" that propel the boat forward.
The
problem is that all of that new fangled technology will only manage to
scrape together a top speed of 5 knots. Therefore, it will take about
three months to achieve what a diesel powered boat can achieve in only
one. Plus, all of the radios and electrical equipment are solar
powered. Sounds pretty dangerous, but this is the same dude that made a
solo trip across the Pacific in 1999 on a catamaran made from recycled
beer barrels. In other words, he's a rugged dude. [Popsci]
Ken-ichi
Horie, a 69 year old Japanese sailor, is planning a solo 4,350 mile
trip from Hawaii to Japan using the most advanced wave powered boat on
the planet. If successful, the trip would earn him a Guinness record
while simultaneously proving the viability of wave powered propulsion.
His boat, the Suntory Mermaid II, turns 