Bay Crossings News
Merely the wind and sun powers ferry of
the future
By: Ali Gripper
From
a distance, it looks like an ordinary catamaran harbor ferry. But the sleek
white vessel was much more than just an upgraded version of the ferries that ply
Sydney harbor.
On its roof were metallic panels which unfurled themselves
into solar wings and rotated in the wind, pushing the ferry through the water at
more than 10 knots - technology that is expected, ultimately, to revolutionize
water transport around the world.
favorably with diesel-fueled ferries: its top speed is 12
knots and it can carry 100 passengers at a time.
And it is pollution-free. It uses no petrol or diesel, emits
no fumes and is almost completely silent.
Its inventor, Dr Robert Dane, gave up his job as a general
practitioner in Milton, on the South Coast, to see his dream become a reality.
Dr Dane was on his way to the Whitsunday Islands for a
sailing holiday when he came across a passage in a book which described how
insects use their wings as sun collectors to power their bodies as well as to
fly.
"It was like a revelation. I thought if they can do
that, surely we can evolve the same thing to power boats?" He had no
background in engineering, but had a passion for science and technology and a
lot of sailing experience, and knew there was no turning back.
"I believe I was born to do this. I was 40, and at a
stage where I could have bought a couple of Volvos and enjoy my success, but
there was no passion in it.
"I knew once I’d been given this idea I was
responsible to see it through. I didn’t want to be one of those people on
their deathbeds, saying ‘I should have done that solar boat thing’."
When a neighbor, Ms Margory Kendall, heard about his plans,
she donated more than half of the $200,000 needed for the first prototype. Many
others were quick to back the project, which has just received a $1 million
grant from the Australian Government.
Expressions of interest for the $2 million ferry have been
received from Germany, Australia, Switzerland, Greece, Japan, the United States
and New Zealand.
The Australian Premier, Mr Carr, yesterday applauded Dr Dane’s
passion and drive and said he hoped solar-powered vessels were "snapped up
by transit authorities around the world for cities on waterways".
Solar Sail was greeted by a pod of three humpback whales off North Head.
"It was a good omen," Dr Dane said.
