Saildrone
Meet the coolest 19′ multihull. With its wave piercing bows this 19 trimaran’s skipper is never aboard ! Saildrone is an autonomous sailing vessel that can operate independently at sea for months at a time even in the worst weather conditions. It can reach speeds over 16 miles per hour, cruising at an average speed of five. Wind and solar energy harnessed by a few panels on the deck provide all the power needed for long-term deployment. The vessel uses solid wing technology that Saildrone co-founder and engineer Richard Jenkins spent ten years developing for Greenbird. This solid-winged racer grabbed the world speed record for a wind-powered vehicle on land when it hit 126.2 miles per hour on a Nevada dry lake in 2009 with Jenkins at the wheel. Beyond longevity and speed, Saildrone’s most vital asset is a 220-pound payload—more than enough to accommodate a wide range of oceanographic sensors, ranging from standard equipment such as temperature and oxygen probes, to pH meters and other more specialized systems. Drawing on the underwater robotics expertise of Saildrone’s CTO Dylan Owens, all electronics are encased in pressure-rated submersible housings that offer extreme longevity. Just recently Saildrone has passed yet another huge milestone, sailing through its100th day, deployed and alone in the Pacific ocean. During that time, it has covered 5873 miles at an average speed of 2.5 knots. Amazing. watch the Saildrone video