The EcoKnut project
Currently, Knut relies, like almost all expedition sailboats, on an auxiliary diesel-powered engine. And like for all expedition sailboats, the question often arises whether it’s the sail that’s auxiliary rather than the engine.
Addressing topics like global warming, while burning over a ton of diesel every year? That’s us. Sailing vessels aren’t a rare sight in the Arctic, however sails are seldom unfurled in these high latitudes.
Knut is a proper sailboat, designed for racing. She doesn’t much like her aging, smelly, noisy, oily engine. But when all we have to do is turn a key, it’s easy to take the lazy option.
Our goal at MaréMotrice is to equip Knut with an electric engin before January 2019. This isn’t a hybrid system (which requires a diesel generator to charge the batteries), but a concept involving both engine and sailing – the boat produces her own energy.
Zero emissions. We call this the energetic transition… but this transition isn’t only achieved through technology. It’s first and foremost about reducing needs, and ending a trend that started with the industrial revolution. We will sail like the navigators of 1800, adapting our travel plans accordingly.
In her current state, while engine-powered Knut is able to sail over 500 miles before needing a refill. With her new electric engine, her autonomy will be reduced to 50 miles, but her batteries will recharge while navigating, thanks to the sun, the wind, and above all the energy produced by the boat under sail.
The Knut will serve as a test bed for polar navigation without fossil fuels. A first. A philosophy as well, and not a new one: the three founders of MaréMotrice travelled across many oceans and for many years on a small sailboat, with a pair of oars as the only auxiliary engine.
This project will be carried out in collaboration with Marc Wüst, constructor of solar-powered boats.
Consult the study and budget (french)
We are looking for support – financial and equipment
Contact : benjamin(at)maremotrice.ch
This one-off was named Golden Lion, like all the boats designed by her designer, the Italian solo navigator Alex Carozzo. This is a first generation Open 50′, very strong, made of aluminium, designed and built for the Québec – Saint-Malo race. Her birth date is rather unclear, it seems to have been built around 1981. Regardless: from 2000 to 2014, she was named Criola. Now we call her by her new Nordic name: KNUT, to be shouted out for full effect.
length : 15.16 meters
width : 4.6 meters
draft : 2.9 meters
weight : twelve tons
engine : AIFO 70 CV
sail surface : 125 m2
bunks : 9. For polar expeditions we limit the number of passengers to 4 (+skipper and second).
A boat meant for sailing
Though this boat was designed for racing, she can take on ice if prepared adequately. The association undertook 9 months’ worth of work on her for the purposes of renovation, security, and enhancement. A new boat emerged from the shipyard, ‘tuned’ for polar exploration. She moves at 6 knots on engin, and starts to shine at 7 or 8 knots with sails and wind, going above 10 knots without too much effort.
Warning ! The Knut isn’t a charter ship. There are no showers here except the teapot, one solitary toilet (more than enough), no private cabins. Instead there are bunks which are quite handy while at sea. This was built to cross oceans, which doesn’t prevent her from having a charming mahogany interior. If it’s comfort you’re looking for, try a cruise ship. The advantage of a simple and functional interior, of a powerful sail plan, is that it gives the voyage a more adventurous feel, both on a human and physical level. Here everyone pitches in, be it on the deck, at the rudder, or in the kitchen. Yes, adventure still exists, and it is above all a human one. On Knut it is guaranteed!
