A giant solar-powered boat has begun its voyage around the world, embarking on a 31,000 mile, 160 day circumnavigation that follows the sun at an estimated average speed of 7.5 knots.

When we last told you about the project, the boat itself was no more than a dream, some plans and a tiny model. In just fourteen months, workers at the Knierim Yacht Club in Kiel, Germany built the boat and covered it in 5,780 square feet of 18.8 percent-efficiency photovoltaic cells capable of providing 93.5kW of power.

The massive multihull set sail from Monaco on Monday. With measurements of 101 feet by 49 feet, it's not only the world's largest solar-powered boat but a giant at any marina - especially when folding solar panels are fully unfurled. The catamaran has been christened the MV Tûranor, and Tolkien fans will already know that the boat's name means "power of the sun" in Elvish.

"The aim is to offer future-proof solutions for sustainable living in major cities and environmentally responsible mobility concepts," said the boat's owner, German eco-investor Immo Stroher. "Solar mobility can make a significant contribution to this endeavor."

Though it's capable of holding 40 occupants, the boat is currently manned by a crew of four and captained by Patrick Marchesseau of France.

Well-wishers and solar power fans can follow the Tûranor's progress on the Planet Solar website. Currently, the boat is in the Mediterranean and readying for an Atlantic crossing. Stops on the circumnavigation will be in Miami, Cancun, San Francisco, Sydney, Singapore and Abu Dhabi – eventually returning to Monaco.

*Photos: Planet Solar. The *boat **in Barcelona.





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