Next monday Sun21 will set its solar panels for New York in the fist attempt to cross the Atlantic in a solar powered boat. The 46-ft. vessel has no sails or gas tank, only two electric motors that run on batteries charged by photovoltaic cells. By day, rooftop solar panels generate more power than the boat consumes. The extra energy is stored to keep things moving after sundown. How fast does it go? About 5 to 6 knots, same as most yachts. A Swiss crew of five will attempt the record-breaking five-month, 7,000-mile trip to spread the word about the wonders of renewable energy.

The adventures of the “sun21”-crew can be followed on www.youtube.com (as well as on www.transatlantic21.ch) where short film reports illustrate the journey. The “sun21” will put out to sea in Seville on the 27th November in order to beginits record journey.