Sailing to the Azores and back - fossil fuel free

Doris, fully transformed by Sail Electric, and taking on The Azores & Back Race without fossil fuels © Sail Electric

Founder of Sail Electric, Wayne Peters, and a private owner of a full electric Southerly 47 have entered the renowned Azores and Back Race (AZAB) in June. Sailing two-handed, and powered only by natural resources, Doris is the only yacht of her kind to participate in this challenge.

As experienced leaders of the evolution in electric yachting, Sail Electric are pioneers of progressive green tech, continually striving to push the boundaries of what is possible. Having recently completed an extensive two year transformation on Southerly 47 Doris, she is now capable of global sailing, she can sail happily with zero fossil fuel emissions, and has done in the trials to date, covering several thousand miles worth just with 16 hours on the generator.

Organised by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club every fourth year, The Azores and Back Race is an ocean regatta covering 2,400-miles, starting in Falmouth and heading to the port of Ponta Delgada on Sao Miguel in the Azores. Most yachts take between seven and ten days to complete the first leg, which allows crews some time ashore to relax and refresh before taking on the return passage back to Falmouth.

Sailing with the least environmental impact during their travels is a key factor for the Reynards, whilst also wanting a comprehensive modernisation to make their yacht highly capable to sail light handed. With an electric motor and AXC 30kw from Oceanvolt along with lithium power cells and solar panels, Doris operates an advanced control system that Sail Electric can monitor globally. Her sails have been replaced by Sailshape, who fitted an updated mast plus all standing rigging, while her galley is now fully-electric with fridge, freezer, induction hob, oven and boiling water tap. On board is a watermaker and the Fischer Panda generator as a back-up that can run on HVO. Now fully prepared to set off on the expedition of a lifetime, Sail Electric have achieved the creation of an efficient yacht that harnesses both wind and solar power to deliver outstanding performance whilst leaving no trace.

David Reynard gave his thoughts, "Like many sailors, I started my sailing career chartering yachts in the Mediterranean for family holidays. As a family it was a matter of principle that we were there to sail, and we tried hard to minimise our diesel usage. However, I was always disappointed that sailing boats seem to rely so heavily on diesel power". He continues, "When we first purchased Doris in 2020 it was our intention to travel the world whilst minimising our carbon footprint, so we were delighted when we met Wayne at SailElectric who is not only an evangelist for all-electric sailing, but also an expert at putting such dreams into practise. Now our yacht is ready to go, we're looking forward to exploring the world sustainably. The AZAB is my first significant ocean race experience and I'm delighted that Doris will be leading the way".

Wayne and David are under no illusions that sailing the AZAB will be hard work and a demanding sail. The last AZAB was not without incident or heavy weather. However, great confidence comes from having an incredible boat that will keep them safe and provide a comfortable base. With sails and rigging to ensure Doris moves at optimum pace, together with the newly installed solar power and liFePO4 batteries, focus can be on effectively sailing the boat as quickly and efficiently as possible. Flying the flag for a yacht that sails with minimal C02 footprint and zero emissions, the duo are hoping to shine a light on how it is possible to cross oceans without using any fossil fuels, equipped with the right technology, and combined with the correct ethos. This race is the ultimate test of a next generation yacht and her crew.

Wayne Peters commented, "I couldn't really say no when David offered the opportunity to co-skipper Doris in this challenge. The AZAB will be our first offshore cat 1 race, and to do it with such a capable yacht, proves that the future is indeed here. We have recently completed our qualifying passage, over 300 nm sailed hard on the wind to put Doris through her paces. This will be an event that can change a mindset."