ContemplatingFolly t1_iu24ytd wrote on October 28, 2022 at 12:08 AM

Reply to comment by shave_your_teeth_pls in World’s 1st bulker powered by wind sails into Port of Newcastle by edweirdmuybridge

To tag on...I remember hearing about this potential idea like 15 years ago, and this is all they have to show for it?

Northwindlowlander t1_iu26fyc wrote on October 28, 2022 at 12:19 AM

It's a non trivial thing, it turns out. Most of the earlier schemes planned to use skysails (ie kites, basically), or something very like traditional sails, but they kept running into practicality issues. This solid sail approach is more complicated to implement but is supposed to be easier to operate and to not need much change in operator practices, training etc, and it's also supposed to be useful in more conditions.

starfyredragon t1_iu2frdi wrote on October 28, 2022 at 1:30 AM

... I wonder if a solid sail would work on a sailboat...

LLCoolDave82 t1_iu2km62 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 2:07 AM

America's cup (F1 for sailboat racing) switched to solid sails 10 years ago or so. It's basically a wing.

starfyredragon t1_iu2yfs1 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 4:02 AM

Oh, interesting, I'll have to look that up

LLCoolDave82 t1_iu5648w wrote on October 28, 2022 at 5:01 PM

https://youtu.be/L8eq8hoUhBE

These boats are based on older AC designs. The newest class the sail is more flexible.

starfyredragon t1_iu5ugi0 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 7:45 PM

Interesting... so the ideal is in between hard and soft?

ContemplatingFolly t1_iu2p6y9 wrote on October 28, 2022 at 2:42 AM

Yes, that's what I recall reading about so long ago. Thanks for the update.

If they can get to the 20% someone mentioned above, that will be something. Its just getting kinda late.

Alovebird t1_iu3svvz wrote on October 28, 2022 at 10:34 AM

This isn't a specially designed ship, it's been retrofitted to a existing vessel, being able to cut 5-8% emissions off fleets of existing vessel's would add up fast.