Japan's most famous sailor 69-year-old adventurer Kenichi Horie is once again out to the waters, this time around the purpose is to promote the commercial viability of waves as an invention, which Horie says will bring a new option to those seeking to travel in an environmentally friendly way.
The course this time is from Hawaii to Japan (the port of Hino, about 450 km (280 miles) southwest of Tokyo) which he plans to complete within 2 and a half months, his journey having started.
The vessel for his latest adventure, the Suntory Mermaid II, has two wings in front which convert the energy from waves into a movement similar to a dolphin's kicks, making it the world's first boat to be powered by the vertical motion of waves.
Kenichi Horie has always been known for his ‘eco friendly’ methods of sailing and strives to create awareness about the environment to this day through his voyages.
In an interview with yachtpals, Kenichi expressed his thoughts on wave as a power source. He mentioned that “Throughout history, mankind has used wind for power, but no one has appeared to be serious about wave power. The boat goes forward by waves. In other words, the boat depends on wave conditions. The bigger and stronger wave comes, the faster the boat goes forward. No wave means no move of the boat”
Horiea previous voyages -
1st time ever - Kenichi Horie has sailed around the world before. His fascination began in 1962, a 24-year-old Kenichi Horie sailed the 19 foot Mermaid from Nishinomiya, Japan to reach San Francisco in 92 days. Upon arrival he was promptly arrested for not having a passport or money, and a crazy story about having sailed across the entire Pacific. He was subsequently released by order of the Mayor, officially honored, and then given the key to the city. Mermaid is on display in San Francisco to this day.
The Beer yacht – yes its true, 40 years after 1962, Horie once again was out on the same route but this time he was on a yacht made from beer kegs, as well as a recycled replica of the original Mermaid.
After having made voyages by wind, solar and man power (pedal boat), Kenichi Horie is overwhelmed by waves as a power generating source and hence decided to promote it.
Giira Yachts wishes him all the best in this endeavor and supports his cause.
Jul 3, 2008
Kenichi Horie To Sail On World's 1st Wave Powered Boat!!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
WOW!
That's a fabulous way to Going Green on the Clear Blues...
Thanks for the comment Paurush,
we hope that this new method can also be followed worldwide (using waves as a energy source). it will land up saving enormous quantities of fuel in the long run and will also help keep the environment protected...
Post a Comment