Tests are under way to determine if Solar Navigator should be fitted with auxiliary generators.  Fellow AYRS member, Peter Worsley has built a number of catamarans with rotary sails, which have the extraordinary ability to head straight into the wind.

While it may not be possible to generate sufficient electrical energy to overcome headwinds, nevertheless, there is some advantage to using wind energy to supply the onboard electrical needs of the vessel and crew.

Testing catamaran auxiliary generators in side wind

If Solar Navigator is equipped as per the picture above, with wind turbines, she would be a true hybrid craft.  Whichever way you look at her, we hope you will agree she is something to look at.

The model above is not yet equipped with the Sun Tracker system to ensure correct alignment of her solar panels.  Nor, the aluminium spaceframe, which it is hoped will reduce weight and possibly reduce drag.

It is hoped the combined technology will allow us to set model speed and endurance records (beat our own records) in the near future as part of our development of the full size vessel.