First UK solar sails for eco Spirit
1/13/2021

First UK solar sails for eco Spirit

OneSails GBR (East) designed and supplied the UK's first solar mainsail to the new Spirit Yachts 44CR(e) at the end of last year. The yacht was created for a Canadian customer who set a brief for 'near total energy self-sufficiency' onboard. Working with Solar Cloth Systems, OneSails GBR (East) made a 4T FORTE™ main sail with integrated thin cell PV panels*, which will regenerate the batteries using solar energy. John Parker from OneSails GBR (East) said, "Due to the high modulus construction of the 4T FORTE™ composite material, the impact of the PV panels will be minimal in terms of the sail’s characteristics and performance. The technology is cutting edge and to my knowledge it is first project of its kind in the UK.” The three panels on each side of the main sail have the capacity to regenerate 560watts, or 1,120watts total for both sides of the sail. OneSails’ 4T FORTE™ sails are currently the only sails made from a cloth that can be stripped of its hardware and recycled at commercial recycling plants. The Spirit 44CR(e) is a modern classic Bermudan sloop designed for cruising and racing in the light winds of British Columbia in Canada. The yacht's electric drive system regenerates the batteries using hydro energy created by the propellor whilst sailing. It also operates with no fossil fuels onboard. *the solar panel technology is officially called Powersails® Find out more: www.spirityachts.com

« Back