The concept The concept is quite simple. Seen as a black box (see above), the propulsion system receives electrical power from the battery and turns the propeller. Add some control with the throttle and some output to a display and yet we have a system that can do its job. Let's open the box. We … Continue reading Designing an electric Saildrive (part #1)
Going electric ⚡ with RIM DRIVE TECHNOLOGY
TL;DR: we do believe in electric propulsion systems - but this one did not work for us (and we tried hard for 3 years) We are not fans of diesel engines - we like to run them only when necessary to get in and out of the marina (or in and out of an anchorage.) … Continue reading Going electric ⚡ with RIM DRIVE TECHNOLOGY
Fixing the steering on a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
State of the steering in early 2023 We got our new sail boat (Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49 Performance, now called Mikasa) in February 2022 and we had to motor her from Antibes to Marseilles: no working genoa, and only a few days to do the passage. Before leaving the dock, I had surveyed the steering … Continue reading Fixing the steering on a Jeanneau Sun Odyssey 49
2’500 nm with the Watt&Sea POD
Since we installed the Watt&Sea POD 600 in Las Palmas, we've sailed more than 2'500 nm with it. Some people have been asking for feedback on it, so here it is!
Sailing with Linux (NMEA, GPSd, Iridium)
We have been using Linux on board since our second season on Soledad - three years ago. There exists quite a large collection of marine/sailing software for Linux. As you might know from previous posts, we mainly use OpenCPN and zyGrib for navigation. In this post, I will explain how we got more by connecting our computer to the boat's electronics and to an Iridium satellite phone.
Winter and boat works in Las Palmas
We literally spent the winter in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria. El muelle deportivo de Las Palmas is a huge marina in the centre of the city. At walking distance or by bus (bus pass available at the marina's mini-market) you can find whatever you need. We enjoyed the spannish/canarian culture (carnivals, holy week, etc.) and the weather has been good (even though locals say it's been one bad winter).
Our first 5-day passage
We crossed from Malta to Mallorca, in a 5 days/5 nights passage. We wanted to test us and to test the boat. Read on to learn how it went!
Evolve or die
The last weeks confirmed that 'not having a fixed plan' is the way to go. We are constantly adapting our journey to the changing conditions and we think it's the right approach. The crew's spirit is (usually) high, frustrations are low.
Announcing a partnership with DIMENSION-POLYANT on Vectron sailcloth
Time has come to replace our good old North Sails main sail (in place since 2008/2009). After discussion and following the advise from our sailmaker, we decided to go for a new sailcloth: Vectron from DIMENSION-POLYANT. This is a new line of woven sailcloth in DP's catalog for 2017.
Of pillars and electrons (again)
The Agile Manifesto relies on 12 pillars. The more you intend to be in line with those pillars, the more agile your team (or family !) is. Check out what pillars we are honouring this week
Agile For Life 