Adapting your mindset for hybrid electric sailing

How does an electric boat work? And how does sailing on a hybrid electric sailboat differ from sailing on a conventional sailboat powered by a combustion engine?

Beyond the technical disparities and distinctive propulsion systems, electric sailboats bring the question of onboard energy management to the forefront. A thorough understanding of their energy consumption and production methods is paramount for experiencing a low-carbon and silent voyage under optimal conditions.

We have compiled the following key concepts that outline how an electric hybrid sailboat works, energy-related matters, the art of sailing itself, and a particular mindset conducive to a rewarding and environmentally conscious sailing experience.

What is a hybrid electric sailboat?

A hybrid electric sailboat is a vessel on which the propulsion engine(s) has/have been replaced by electric motor(s). These electric motors are powered by batteries that are recharged by various sources. Remarkably, while the boat is under sail, the propellers can be left spinning to generate electricity that can be stored in the battery banks for later use – hydropower! Shore power, solar panels, or diesel generators are other sources of power. In remote areas, where access to shore power is unavailable, these power sources allow vessels to operate autonomously.

The batteries, serving as the energy reservoirs of these sailboats, contribute significantly to the overall cost of these hybrid propulsion systems. But recharging these batteries using renewable energy can be considered a type of  pre-financing for the energy required for propulsion! To help offset this price difference as compared to a standard combustion engine, Dream Yacht has announced the Go Green Incentives program. Our specialist Yacht Sales Consultants can explain the benefits in detail.

The finiteness of onboard energy

In the course of our day-to-day lives on land, we are not accustomed to meticulously monitoring our electricity consumption. Who can accurately state the daily electricity consumption of their home in kilowatt-hours (kWh)? On land, the electricity grid supplies us with an abundant and notably affordable flow of current, despite recent price hikes. Vehicles, whether they are powered by electric or internal combustion, can be swiftly recharged at any time and conveniently, whether it’s at the pump, a supercharger, or at home in our driveways. On land, energy distribution is readily accessible, and as of now, fossil fuel-derived energy remains abundantly available. Abundant and cheap, it’s not a concern that crosses our minds as frequently.

Onboard a hybrid electric sailboat, the situation is quite different. The electric motors draw their energy from batteries whose capacity (energy supply) is, on a large catamaran like the Aura 51 Smart Electric, a quarter of that of a 20 L can of diesel… Batteries that weigh 800 kg, whereas the canister weighs only 25 kg on the scale, including the canister. Onboard hybrid sailboats, energy is not infinite, on the contrary. Or rather, if you want to sail on batteries alone, without emissions, you have to be very mindful. Rest assured, our boats are equipped with a robust diesel generator capable of providing power to both batteries and engines for extended durations, ensuring your safe return regardless of any unforeseen circumstances. A generator with a tank containing a few thousand kWh of fossil energy.

Observe, understand and optimize your energy consumption

The boat derives its propulsion energy from a dedicated set of batteries, while a separate set of batteries powers its onboard comfort services. The remaining stored energy of these two battery banks is a crucial data point that can be conveniently monitored on the ship’s display screens. The second important data that these displays show is the total remaining battery life, in hours, taking into account the instantaneous consumption.

Consistently monitoring these indicators enables a thorough comprehension of the electric consumption and autonomy of these boats. On these screens, you can instantly observe the influence of specific systems (electric motor, windlass, watermaker, air-conditioning) on the battery usage, with real-time updates on the estimated remaining operating time. Taking into account the consumption of the boat’s equipment allows it to be managed. Is battery power running low? If you don’t want to use the generator, you should avoid using the watermaker.

Sailing on an electric or hybrid vessel means observing, understanding and managing its energy consumption.

Observe, understand and optimize your energy production

Efficient management of energy consumption must be accompanied by a corresponding focus on energy supply or production. But a sailboat can only be powered by a cable when in port. Apart from this, it is a mobile autonomous system, a system that must ensure its own energy production.

A balanced autonomous system implies a daily energy production that is at least equal to its consumption.

Acquiring knowledge and skillful management of energy production is almost as vital as understanding energy consumption. The boat can depend on its energy producers, including some that are within our control and manageable. If you can’t do anything to optimize solar production, you can adjust your sails and your speed to maximize hydropower generation. The quicker the boat is under sail, the more energy it produces. We use the term ‘almost’ because, regardless of the weather or battery charge level, the diesel generator, with its extensive autonomy, continues to provide the boat with power.

By comprehending and considering the distinctive features of our Smart Electric sailboats, you can enjoy a week without the need for thermal energy consumption or reliance on diesel. It represents not only a significant cost-saving, surpassing the roughly $2,000 expense of refueling a diesel catamaran, but above all, a profound sense of satisfaction.

A hybrid electric sailboat designed for sailing

Considering the nature of the generator’s combustion engine on sailing boats, one might question whether they still qualify purely as sailing vessels or have evolved into a hybrid form akin to the motorsailers of the past, reminiscent of the vessels from the fifties.

In theory, and even from an administrative standpoint, a sailboat is defined as a vessel equipped with screw propulsion and auxiliary motorization.  Hybrid sailboats truly embody this definition. These boats are meticulously crafted for sailing, predominantly relying on sail power reminiscent of the old days, while offering the added advantage of modern electrical comfort.

The choice and preparation of the route comes to the fore. What could be more natural on board a sailboat?

Aligning your cruise plans with weather conditions, harnessing the power of wind, optimizing the favorable points of sail for hydropower generation, fine-tuning your sails—ultimately, sailing itself encapsulates the expectations of a hybrid electric sailboat. It anticipates such demands, but not without discretion. The generator, aptly named the ‘range extender’ by the British, is ever prepared to rescue you from unfavorable circumstances—a remarkably efficient antidote to range anxiety. The powerful generator mounted on these boats is a soundproof device capable of running for several hours. It completely compensates for the lack of energy reserves in the batteries. Even with depleted batteries, the generator possesses the capability to propel the boat and safely return you to port using the engine, regardless of the distance to be covered.

A new mindset for hybrid electric sailing

As you can see, sailing on a hybrid electric sailboat entails a new mindset. It entails embracing an energy-conscious mindset to extend autonomy without emissions, embracing a certain sobriety in energy consumption.

It also involves enjoying the journey, opting for tacking maneuvers instead of solely relying on motoring, and prioritizing the intended arrival time without compromising the experience. Savoring moments of tranquility, appreciating picturesque landscapes, witnessing the boat’s steady advancement, and refining its intricacies are all sources of pure delight!

Navigating an electric sailboat is not only about setting an example but also embracing an avant-garde spirit. It embodies the assurance of making an informed choice, consciously minimizing your environmental footprint during a leisure pursuit—a decision you can genuinely take pride in. You can proudly explain the advantages and limitations to your family and children, equipped with an exceptional autonomous system that is environmentally friendly and designed for utmost comfort. This system allows for a keen awareness of energy consumption, along with the ability to identify personalized strategies for optimizing it.

It also entails acknowledging the significant and indispensable role that renewable energies hold within the energy mix of our daily lives. Recognizing that relying solely on so-called inexhaustible energies, such as the sun and wind, cannot guarantee complete energy self-sufficiency in all situations, it becomes imperative to incorporate a balanced energy mix that encompasses other manageable sources. Ideas that have a much broader scope than just that of a cruise…

Ultimately, it is crucial to have an understanding of the benefits and limitations offered by various energy generators, encompassing an understanding of those aboard, the battery systems, as well as one’s household energy and electricity consumption. It presents an interesting opportunity to envision a decarbonized world, one that is subtly more restrained, where novel technologies, human ingenuity, and collective determination converge to foster a cleaner future.

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Interested in learning more about owning an electric sailboat? Dream Yacht Charter has you covered with the widest choice of yachts and charter management programs.

Our expert yacht consultants can explain your options in depth and help you through the purchase process, from choosing a yacht that is right for you, to finding the best financing. Get in touch today!