Saildrone completes Pacific crossing
by Des Ryan on 17 Nov 2013
Saildrone 1 arrives to a big welcome in Hawaii SW
They have been trying for years to cross the Atlantic with an automated sailing boat, and that challenge is still out there, but now a team of high-tech enthusiasts formed into a non-profit organisation in Alameda California have completed a crossing from San Francisco to Hawaii - a world record for an unmanned sailing boat.
Just this month, Saildrone 1 arrived in Kaneohe, Hawaii, 34 days after leaving San Francisco. This amazing accomplishment sets a new world record for a autonomous sailboats as well as being the first unmanned and autonomous vessel to cross an ocean using wind power.
After a quick inspection to make sure everything was in good order, they have re-deployed SD1, heading for the south pacific and more extended duration trials. The vehicle was in perfect condition, with no signs of growth on the hull, or any wear to the mechanical or electrical systems.
When Saildrone 1 arrived, its creators were on hand to welcome it, made possible by the Kaneohe Yacht Club and their members who assisted the team to retrieve and redeploy Saildrone.
About the Marine Science and Technology Foundation (MSTF):
The organisation which has achieved this feat is a non-profit, private operating foundation dedicated to advancing technology in oceanographic research.
Founded by Eric Schmidt, MSTF aims to infuse technology innovation into global marine research by supporting meritorious technology research and development projects that target strategically important areas of marine science, advance key existing oceanographic technologies, and enable open and effective sharing of new technologies, scientific information, and research outcomes among academic and broader communities around the world.
To learn more about the Saildrone and its creators, go to http://saildrone.com/
If you want to link to this article then please use this URL: www.sailworldcruising.com/116750
