Derek Hatfield hopes to sail a very eco-friendly boat relying solely on wind and solar power for the VELUX 5 Oceans race, The Ultimate Solo Challenge.

The idea for the race is to sail around the world using no fuel. The class of boats are called ECO 60’s which are older boats being reused rather than building new boats. All the power requirements for the race are generated through solar power or wind.

Hatfield was the first Canadian to sail around the world, and he already has 20 to 25 boats tricked out with wind and solar power. Diesel fuel will only be available on board for emergency situations where the battery banks may run out.

In the northern ocean, the solar power is more efficient, while in the southern ocean, the wind power is the main driver. Each supplements the other as well. Derek wants to use no fuel at all, and states that it has been proven in the last few years that fuel is not even necessary. He states that he is taking ten gallons and hopes to come back with it.

Derek talks about these issues and more in his interview with the Discovery Channel’s Daily Planet.

Tags: derek hatfield, eco sailing, eco yachting, solar power boat, spirit of canada, wind power boat

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