This is why sailing is smart
This is why sailing is smart
One of the ambitions of One Ocean Expedition is to focus on sustainability, how to behave so our way of living does not destroy the planet. So, it's not a coincidence that the expedition rides the wind around the globe.
In total Statsraad Lehmkuhl has a sail-area of 2026 m2. If laid flat out on the ground, you could easily fit four normal family-houses on top of them, including a little garden.
- We have a fantastic opportunity here on board, we can sail. We can get from one place to another without burning fossil fuels, says Captain Jens Joachim Hiorth.
Sailing is smart for another reason as well. Statsraad Lehmkuhl is faster sailing, up to over 18 knots, than motoring. Even with 1125 horses, the top speed using the engine is 11 knots.
Aft across
But the wind is not always blowing exactly as you would prefer.
A sailing ship reaches top speed when the wind is aft across, blowing from behind and a bit to the side. Then all the 22 sails catch wind.
Statsraad Lehmkuhl can sail a little bit upwind, but that makes the trip a long zigzag-voyage. This was taken into account when the expedition was planned.
- 55,000 nautical miles is a long voyage, but 20 months is also a long time. It varies slightly from stage to stage, but as an average the speed is not more than 4 knots.
Sustainable route planning
Captain Hiort calls this sustainable route planning.
- Sailing is without comparison the best thing we can do to make the expedition sustainable.
But of course, the engine will be started from time to time. To manoeuvre safely and if the wind is getting too troublesome.
- In sum, we will probably sail a lot, says Hiort.