I am a huge proponent of solar power and I think that this project is cool from a research point of view. But at this point in time I have to agree the sailboat is far superior. Wind is a form of solar power but obviously has different characteristics. Macarthur's trip would've been different the other way around. But the trip has been done many times 'the long way round'. Obviously with solar you are highly dependant on the sun. If the sky is overcast, no power. This can be particularly dangerous in s storm. If you have no power you have no steerage and you just become a large cork in the ocean. On a sailboat you put up small sails and are able to keep your boat pointed into the swells/waves to keep it safe.
As solar becomes more effecient it may become more practical. But this effort is a great research trip, not anything practical at this point.
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I am a huge proponent of solar power and I think that this project is cool from a research point of view. But at this point in time I have to agree the sailboat is far superior. Wind is a form of solar power but obviously has different characteristics. Macarthur's trip would've been different the other way around. But the trip has been done many times 'the long way round'. Obviously with solar you are highly dependant on the sun. If the sky is overcast, no power. This can be particularly dangerous in s storm. If you have no power you have no steerage and you just become a large cork in the ocean. On a sailboat you put up small sails and are able to keep your boat pointed into the swells/waves to keep it safe. As solar becomes more effecient it may become more practical. But this effort is a great research trip, not anything practical at this point.