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Crewless cargo: the world’s first autonomous electric cargo ship 

The world’s first fully electric, completely autonomous cargo ship has successfully completed its maiden voyage.

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The world’s first fully electric, completely autonomous cargo ship has successfully completed its maiden voyage in Norway, but fear not, it’s a far cry from the dramatic movie depictions of ‘ghost ships’. Frankie Youd profiles the vessel and highlights the benefits of this new technology. 

The shipping industry has been pioneering new technology, ship design, and fuel types to set sail towards a greener future for shipping. Now, Norwegian chemical company Yara, has gone one step further by not only producing a zero-emission vessel, but one that is zero crew as well. 

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Giving us a sneak peek into the future of cleaner, greener, autonomous travel, the world’s first autonomous, fully-electric cargo ship – named Yara Birkeland – has set sail.  

The vessel, stretching 80m, with a deadweight of approximately 3,200 tonnes, contains sensors and computers that allow the vessel to operate autonomously or via remote control.  

The vessel is also doing its part for the environment , due to zero emissions being produced thanks to the electrical propulsion and battery system.  

How does it work? 

Departing for its maiden voyage on Thursday 18 November, the Yara Birkeland set sail on her first demo trip, sailing along the Norwegian coast from Horten to Oslo. Estimated to cut 1,000 tonnes of CO 2 and replace 40,000 trips carried out by diesel trucks per year, Yara is optimistic that commercial operations for the vessel will take place within the next few years. 

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The ship is powered by battery powered technology – provided by Swiss Lithium-ion cells and energy storage solutions company, LeClanchè – providing the ship with a capacity close to 7MWh. This is accompanied by sensor technology that provides the vessel with situational awareness.

The sensors come in the form of radar, infrared cameras, and automotive integrated solutions cameras. Combined, these give the ship the ability to discover obstacles in its path and avoid them. 

The vessel has also been fitted with automatic mooring arms from MacGregor to allow for unmanned docking and mooring at quays. 

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Additionally, cloud solutions are also being used on the vessel and have been designed to provide the remote operation centre on the shore with data from the voyage and operation. 

Although the inclusion of this technology will allow the vessel to be remotely controlled from the shore, this is not the intention of its integration. The system has been designed so that the vessel is able to carry out the voyage itself without human intervention, with remote takeover only being needed should an event requiring human aid occur. 

Speaking on the creation of the vessel, Jostein Braaten, project lead of the Yara Birkeland says: “Yara is constantly seeking opportunities to improve not only the business but also safety and our environmental footprint. By introducing Yara Birkeland, Yara wants to show a dedication to improving the environmental impact from this transport of goods. 

“With the production plant in Porsgrunn, Norway, located by the sea and with close to 100% of the products to be exported by ship it seemed inconvenient to transport, what is delivered in containers, the first distance from the plant to the shipping port, by trucks. An opportunity to improve both the logistics and to reduce the traffic on local roads by establishing an electrically driven sea-going vessel seemed like an opportunity.”  

Further to the vessel carrying out its maiden voyage, the company has also undergone sea-trials that saw containers being delivered, loaded, and shipped via the ship.

The company has also tested the navigational capabilities, such as auto-docking and auto-crossing using the technology same technology in place on the Yara Birkeland on a double ended ferry in regular traffic crossing the Oslofjord.  

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The company hopes that the regular operation of Yara Birkeland will begin in early Q2 this year, which will also start the test-period for the technology to become fully certified. With testing believed to take two years, the company has big goals between then and now.  

“We will spend the next years collecting and analysing data from the operation to learn and train the algorithm to perform as efficiently as possible,” Braaten says.  

“Simulator testing provides us with solid evidence of the system performance but getting live data from the actual voyages and operation area, such as currents, traffic, and behaviour of the surroundings is of great value to the further development towards autonomy.” 

No crew, no problem. 

One of the key elements that sets the Yara Birkeland apart from the rest is the full autonomy of the vessel – meaning that no crew is needed onboard. The full autonomous nature of the ship brings with it many benefits, such as reduced staffing costs, – although some will still be needed for the remote-control centre – as well as having more space for cargo on deck. 

Paired with this, autonomous shipping also improves safety for the overall voyage due to a large majority of maritime accidents occurring due to human error. The inclusion of computer systems on the vessel could prove to be significantly safer compared to crew navigating.

Braaten comments: “Generally for autonomous ships safety is improves as sea-men are not subjected to danger at sea, but also reduced incidents related to people-fatigue or other human error.” 

On the other hand, the autonomous tech can also result is some new challenges – such as the threat of cyberattacks, which if a vessel fell victim to, could see the loss of control and takeover of the vessel. Further to this, due to the technology being in its early stages of development, there are a limited number of regulations – meaning that at present these vessels are only capable of coastal and river routes instead of large ocean crossings.  

A crewless vessel brings with it many benefits to the maritime sector and with interest in this technology growing, it seems that they have a significant role to play for the future of the industry.  

crewless sailboat

“For selected purposes, autonomy can clearly provide improved economy, safety, regularity, and efficiency – for example, at harbour control. It can also improve the competitiveness for shipping compared to road transport in short-distance routes. Unmanned maritime operations can also be a great alternative to alleviate the situation with a shortage of truck drivers and congested cities.” Braaten says. 

“We see that autonomy in maritime has really picked up the pace after the news of Yara Birkeland were released. It is no longer a question of “if” autonomy is coming, it is a matter of “when”. Autonomy is an enabler and a potential catalyst for the green shift in maritime. We are delighted to be leading this shift and see that by realizing this concept – others are following.” Braaten concludes.   

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  • 27 February 2023

Autonomous ships are on the horizon: here’s what we need to know

  • Rudy R. Negenborn 0 ,
  • Floris Goerlandt 1 ,
  • Tor A. Johansen 2 ,
  • Peter Slaets 3 ,
  • Osiris A. Valdez Banda 4 ,
  • Thierry Vanelslander 5 &
  • Nikolaos P. Ventikos 6

Rudy R. Negenborn is a full professor and head of the Researchlab Autonomous Shipping in the Department of Maritime and Transportation Technology, Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.

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Floris Goerlandt is an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair in Risk Management and Resource Optimization for Marine Industries in the Department of Industrial Engineering, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada.

Tor A. Johansen is a full professor in the Department of Engineering Cybernetics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.

Peter Slaets is an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Catholic University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Belgium.

Osiris A. Valdez Banda is an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering (Marine and Arctic Technology), Aalto University, Finland.

Thierry Vanelslander is a full professor in the Department of Transport and Regional Economics, University of Antwerp, Belgium.

Nikolaos P. Ventikos is an associate professor in the Laboratory for Maritime Transport, School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece.

By 2024, the Norwegian container ship Yara Birkeland is expected to carry fertilizer autonomously from plant to port with zero emissions. Credit: Torstein Bøe/NTB/AFP via Getty

In January last year, a Japanese car ferry, the Soleil, became the first large vessel to navigate without human intervention. The 220-metre-long ship automatically berthed and unberthed, turned, reversed and steered itself for 240 kilometres across the Iyonada Sea from Shinmoji in northern Kyushu — manoeuvres that even skilled human operators find challenging.

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Nature 615 , 30-33 (2023)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-023-00557-5

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. Review of Maritime Transport (UNCTAD, 2022).

International Maritime Organization. Fourth IMO Greenhouse Gas Study (IMO, 2020).

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Autonomous boats: The rise of self-sailing vessels

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  • April 22, 2021

Sam Fortescue reports on the latest developments in autonomous boats and self-sailing technology, which is ready to be deployed in a variety of uses from weather monitoring to shipping

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‘Vessel not under command’ looks set to take on a new meaning, with the race to develop a new generation of autonomous boats sailed by artificial intelligence (AI). But what will it mean for other water users?

Today we’re all familiar with the concept of autonomous vehicles. Self-driving cars are the next development frontier, and the tools needed to make them a reality are being intensively tested by some of Silicon Valley’s biggest tech firms.

Less well known is the similar trajectory being followed in the marine industry. So-called unmanned autonomous vehicles, or marine drones, are attracting research interest from everyone from backyard inventors up to engineering behemoths like Rolls-Royce.

They come in all shapes and sizes, with intended purposes varying from meteorology and oceanology, to cargo, surveillance and defence. From the outside, some resemble normal sailing multihulls.

You might never realise there is no human aboard Artemis Technologies’ self-sailing cat, for example, with its 50-knot top speed. The Belfast-based company has based its design for a 45m-long Autonomous Sailing Vehicle (ASV) on technology developed for the 2017 America’s Cup.

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Artemis Technologies’ autonomous boat design is based on the 2017 America’s Cup catamaran. Photo: Artemis Technologies

With two fixed wing sails, the catamaran rises up on four foils and hits top speed in just 20 knots of wind. Regenerating propellers on two of the foils charge a large battery bank on board, and that harvesting of energy brings the boat speed back down to 30 knots.

In lighter 8-knot winds, the boat still foils at 20 knots, and electric motors spin propellers that bump the speed back up to its optimum 30 knots. Artemis believes it can be used as a constant-speed commercial vessel for delivering cargo.

Meanwhile, in Plymouth, a consortium including IBM is testing a new Mayflower, a 15m power trimaran studded with solar panels, that should be capable of operating independently for months at a time. It has a top speed of 10 knots achieved with an electric motor drawing power from batteries topped up by solar.

The purpose of the boat is to collect oceanographic data, with sensors on board collecting information on marine mammals, ocean plastics, sea-level mapping and maritime cybersecurity.

See and avoid

The sheer size of some autonomous boats, and the astonishing speed of Artemis’s ASV, highlights the need for safe navigation. Such vessels carry a plethora of collision avoidance systems. While AIS technology has revolutionised collision avoidance over the last decade, it is not universally adopted among fishing vessels or yachts.

Inshore, where marine traffic is at its most dense, many dayboats will lack even a radar reflector. Other solutions, therefore, were required.

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Mayflower, computing giant IBM’s autonomous vessel. The 15m boat is scheduled for a maiden voyage Atlantic crossing in April 2021. Photo: Tom Barnes

On Mayflower , computing giant IBM has installed its PowerAI Vision technology to crunch the inputs from onboard cameras that use both normal and infrared light.

In the development phase, so-called ‘deep learning’ is enabling the computer to spot navigational hazards from buoys to floating debris.

This complements radar and laser range-finding to help the boat’s software decide on the best tactic for avoidance. “We’re testing the system, but it is designed to be COLREG compliant and should spot things as small as a man in a rowboat and be able to avoid it,” said Brett Phaneuf, co-director of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project.

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“It is programmed to detect and identify all manner of marine objects from many types of ships and boats, to buoys and kayakers. It understands how they behave and can predict movement and act to navigate in and around them.”

In principle there’s no limit to the number of objects it can track. But in the greatest traffic areas inshore, there will be a high bandwidth data link which will enable a human to step in to make decisions for the Mayflower if necessary. “There will always be a low-bandwidth satellite connection so that we may assist the vessel should it ask for help. Its prime directive is ‘don’t hit anything’,” added Phaneuf.

The maiden voyage has been postponed until mid-April 2021, when Mayflower will attempt to become one of the first full-sized autonomous ships to cross the Atlantic. Once the technology is proven, it has myriad potential uses.

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Autonomous technology means a single landbased captain could eventually be in command of thousands of tonnes of shipping all around the world. Photo: Rolls-Royce

The race is on to develop commercial vessels with no humans aboard, only remote oversight from someone in a control room keeping an eye on dozens of vast container ships. Rolls-Royce was looking into just this before it sold its marine division to rival Kongsberg.

The company believes the first steps towards using remote-controlled coastal ships will be taken in the middle of this decade, with fully autonomous vessels coming at least 10 years after that. “Autonomous shipping is the future of the maritime industry,” explained Mikael Mäkinen, former president of Rolls-Royce’s marine division. “As disruptive as the smartphone, the smart ship will revolutionise the landscape of ship design and operations.”

The military, too, hope to use the technology to remove vulnerable humans from tedious or dangerous frontline duties, including surveillance. The Royal Navy has earmarked £184m to develop crewless minehunters.

The US Navy has already completed a trial that saw one of its Ghost Fleet Overlord vessels navigate from the Gulf Coast to California through the Panama Canal without incident.

“During this voyage, the vessel travelled over 4,700 miles, 97% of which was in autonomous mode – a record for the program,” reported Josh Frey, spokesman at the Department of Defense.

Small scale autonomous boats

There is also a growing fleet of smaller autonomous craft that can gather a wide range of data. These include the Wave Glider from Liquid Robotics, a 3.05m craft that generates power to operate from 192W of solar panels and a submarine element that harvests wave motion.

As it weighs 155kg and moves at 1.3 knots, the Liquid Robotics team doesn’t consider it to be a navigational hazard. “The Wave Glider is very small and therefore is the one who needs to get out of the way of any other boats,” marketing director Leigh Martins told me. “So, our software uses AIS for vessel detection and avoidance to stay safe.”

crewless sailboat

Submarine propulsion element of the Wave Glider. Photo: Wave Glider

Two craft closely resembling the Wave Glider were discovered washed up on the Scottish coast without their trailing submarine elements.

Meanwhile, the Sailbuoy under development by the Norwegian firm Offshore Sensing is designed to glance away from collisions.

It measures 2m and weighs 60kg, and its sole means of avoiding collisions are the words ‘Keep Clear’ stencilled onto the balanced wingsail that propels it. “Our solution to this is to make it withstand collisions on the open ocean,” explained CEO David Peddie. “A small vessel like the Sailbuoy does not present any danger to other traffic.”

The company’s website features a video of the Sailbuoy being run down by a small freighter during testing, then righting itself thanks to its heavy keel before bobbing clear.

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Sailbuoy is designed to glance away from collisions. Photo: Sailbuoy

These craft are designed to survey their environment, and can hold station like a buoy or travel slowly along a predetermined route.

It has proven a robust approach: Sailbuoy became the first autonomous sailing vessel to successfully cross the Atlantic in the World Robotic Sailing Championship last year.

Saildrone takes a different approach for their autonomous boats. Its Explorer vehicle is larger – 7m LOA, with a 2.5m draught and a displacement of 0.75 tonnes. At this scale, a more robust approach to collision avoidance is required.

While it also uses AIS to spot other vessels at sea, each Saildrone is constantly under the supervision of a human back at mission control in Alameda, California.

Saildrone has also scaled their design up to a hefty 72ft ‘unmanned surface vehicle’. The Surveyor is equipped with deep-sea surveying equipment capable of scanning down to around 7,000m depth, and has an air draught of 18m.

Like its smaller cousins, there is a human in remote control of the boat at all times, to avoid collisions. But Surveyor also bristles with cameras, images crunched by an onboard processor to identify other vessels.

The company plans to put a fleet of 1,000 USVs onto the world’s oceans for a range of missions, from weather monitoring and gathering oceanographic data to patrolling border waters for smuggling and illegal fishing.

Weather spies

One of the most exciting features for sailors will be the real-time weather information autonomous boats can deliver.

crewless sailboat

Trimtab-controlled wingsail on Saildrone. Photo: Patrick Rousseaux Jenn Virskus/Saildrone

Saildrone founder Richard Jenkins grew up sailing in the Solent, and his company supplied a super-detailed forecast for Cowes Week in 2019, based on publicly available predictions enhanced with ‘secret’ local measurements taken by a Saildrone.

The result was a forecast with a high 200m resolution. In the end the uses for autonomous boats will be as myriad as those for satellites but, as with any new technology, there can be dangers, warns Luc Jaulet, robotics professor at France’s ENSTA engineering school, which is developing the Vaimos autonomous vessel.

As the concept becomes commonplace, the world will have to create suitable rules to keep the oceans safe. “The technology is basically ready, we just have to work out the legislation and then invest in it,” says Professor Jaulet.

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Crewless robotic Mayflower ship reaches Plymouth Rock

Mayflower Autonomous Ship floats next to the replica of the original Mayflower, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Plymouth, Mass. The crewless robotic boat retraced the 1620 sea voyage of the Mayflower. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Mayflower Autonomous Ship floats next to the replica of the original Mayflower, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Plymouth, Mass. The crewless robotic boat retraced the 1620 sea voyage of the Mayflower. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Brett Phaneuf, co-director of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project, at left, stands on the deck of a tow boat as the Mayflower Autonomous Ship is guided next to the replica of the original Mayflower, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Plymouth, Mass. The crewless robotic boat retraced the 1620 sea voyage of the Mayflower. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Brett Phaneuf, co-director of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project, at left, holds bow line as the Mayflower Autonomous Ship docks next to the replica of the original Mayflower, Thursday, June 30, 2022, in Plymouth, Mass. The crewless robotic boat retraced the 1620 sea voyage of the Mayflower. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Brett Phaneuf, co-director of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project, flashes a thumb up after greeting the Mayflower Autonomous Ship , Thursday, June 30, 2022, off the coast of Plymouth, Mass., after a crew-less journey from Plymouth, England. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Mayflower Autonomous Ship motors freely, Thursday, June 30, 2022, about twenty miles off the coast of Plymouth, Mass., after a crew-less journey from Plymouth, England. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Brett Phaneuf, co-director of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project, waves to the sport team over streaming cameras aboard the Mayflower Autonomous Ship , Thursday, June 30, 2022, off the coast of Plymouth, Mass., after a crew-less journey from Plymouth, England. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

A tow boat approaches the Mayflower Autonomous Ship, Thursday, June 30, 2022, about twenty miles off the coast of Plymouth, Mass., after a crew-less journey from Plymouth, England. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Sea Tow captain Ethan Maass, left, hooks the bow line of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship as Brett Phaneuf, co-director of the Mayflower Autonomous Ship project, looks on, Thursday, June 30, 2022, off the coast of Plymouth, Mass., after a crew-less journey from Plymouth, England. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

  • Copy Link copied

PLYMOUTH, Mass. (AP) — A crewless robotic boat retracing the 1620 sea voyage of the Mayflower has landed near Plymouth Rock.

The sleek Mayflower Autonomous Ship met with an escort boat as it approached the Massachusetts shoreline Thursday, more than 400 years after its namesake’s historic journey from England.

It was towed into Plymouth Harbor — per U.S. Coast Guard rules for crewless vessels — and docked near a replica of the original Mayflower that brought the Pilgrims to America.

Piloted by artificial intelligence technology, the 50-foot (15-meter) trimaran didn’t have a captain, navigator or any humans on board.

The solar-powered ship’s first attempt to cross the Atlantic in 2021 was beset with technical problems, forcing it back to its home port of Plymouth, England — the same place the Pilgrim settlers sailed from in 1620.

It set off from the southwest English coast again in April but mechanical difficulties diverted it to Portugal’s Azores islands and then to Canada.

“When you don’t have anybody onboard, you obviously can’t do the mechanical, physical fixes that are needed,” said Rob High, a software executive at IBM helping to work on the project. “That’s also part of the learning process.”

On Monday, it departed Halifax, Nova Scotia for a successful 4-day journey to Plymouth Harbor.

Nonprofit marine research organization ProMare worked with IBM to build the ship and has been using it to collect data about whales, microplastics pollution and for other scientific research. Small autonomous experimental vessels have crossed the Atlantic before but researchers describe it as the first ship of its size to do so.

The voyage’s completion “means we can start analyzing data from the ship’s journey” and dig into the AI system’s performance, High said. He said the prospect of such crewless vessels navigating the seas on a continuous basis will make it easier to collect “all the kinds of things that marine scientists care about.”

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share this!

June 30, 2022

Crewless robotic Mayflower ship reaches Plymouth Rock

Crewless robotic Mayflower ship reaches Plymouth Rock

A crewless robotic boat retracing the 1620 sea voyage of the Mayflower has landed near Plymouth Rock.

The sleek Mayflower Autonomous Ship met with an escort boat as it approached the Massachusetts shoreline Thursday, more than 400 years after its namesake's historic journey from England.

It was towed into Plymouth Harbor—per U.S. Coast Guard rules for crewless vessels—and docked near a replica of the original Mayflower that brought the Pilgrims to America.

Piloted by artificial intelligence technology, the 50-foot (15-meter) trimaran didn't have a captain, navigator or any humans on board.

The solar-powered ship's first attempt to cross the Atlantic in 2021 was beset with technical problems, forcing it back to its home port of Plymouth, England—the same place the Pilgrim settlers sailed from in 1620.

It set off from the southwest English coast again in April but mechanical difficulties diverted it to Portugal's Azores islands and then to Canada.

"When you don't have anybody onboard, you obviously can't do the mechanical, physical fixes that are needed," said Rob High, a software executive at IBM helping to work on the project. "That's also part of the learning process."

Crewless robotic Mayflower ship reaches Plymouth Rock

On Monday, it departed Halifax, Nova Scotia for a successful 4-day journey to Plymouth Harbor.

Nonprofit marine research organization ProMare worked with IBM to build the ship and has been using it to collect data about whales, microplastics pollution and for other scientific research. Small autonomous experimental vessels have crossed the Atlantic before but researchers describe it as the first ship of its size to do so.

The voyage's completion "means we can start analyzing data from the ship's journey" and dig into the AI system's performance, High said. He said the prospect of such crewless vessels navigating the seas on a continuous basis will make it easier to collect "all the kinds of things that marine scientists care about."

© 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

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Researchers design a spring-assisted actuator that could enhance next-gen robots

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New method uses classical computers to check accuracy of complex quantum systems

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Crewless sailboat with shredded sails washes up on Outer Banks beach, police say

A sailboat — without any crew on board — washed ashore on North Carolina’s Outer Banks, handing tourists a puzzle to solve over the Memorial Day weekend.

It appeared near the 5000 block of South Virginia Dare Trail on May 25, Nags Head police said in a news release.

Investigators have discovered the mariner sailing the vessel was rescued off shore by the U.S. Coast Guard “and the boat was left to (drift).”

“We have the boat taped off, so do not climb aboard, and please stay clear as this is a safety hazard,” police said. “We’re working on getting it removed.”

The 33-foot boat, named the True Love, was abandoned after it “lost function of its sail” May 1, about 90 miles off Cape Hatteras, according to The Coastland Times. A single man was rescued from the boat, which was then towed to within 8 miles from shore and anchored for safety reasons in rough seas.

Shipwrecks that wash ashore on the Outer Banks easily capture the attention of beachgoers, quickly becoming tourist attractions.

Beached vessels are also known to quickly sink in the pliable sand, as if being mysteriously swallowed by the islands.

Gale warnings have been issued for the Outer Banks through Saturday, May 27, and the boat could easily be pulled back out to sea as 50 mph gusts and 14-foot waves pound the beaches.

Shipwrecks can go ‘missing’ off Outer Banks. Here’s why NOAA team went hunting for 13

Shipwreck’s astonishing descent into the beach starts speeding up on Outer Banks

Mystery boat full of supplies washes up in North Carolina. Fate of passengers unknown

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Robotic Mayflower Boat Arrives in Plymouth After Transatlantic Voyage

Small autonomous experimental vessels have crossed the atlantic before but researchers describe it as the first ship of its size to do so, by the associated press • published june 30, 2022 • updated on june 30, 2022 at 12:54 pm.

A crewless robotic boat retracing the 1620 sea voyage of the Mayflower landed near Plymouth Rock on Thursday.

The sleek Mayflower Autonomous Ship met with an escort boat as it approached the Massachusetts shoreline, more than 400 years after its namesake's historic voyage from England.

Piloted by artificial intelligence technology, the 50-foot (15-meter) trimaran didn't have a captain, navigator or any humans on board.

The ship's first attempt to cross the Atlantic in 2021 was beset with technical problems, forcing it to return to its home port of Plymouth, England.

Get Boston local news, weather forecasts, lifestyle and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC Boston’s newsletters.

crewless sailboat

It set off from the English coast again in April but mechanical difficulties forced it to divert twice: first to Portugal's Azores islands and then to Canada. On Monday, it departed Halifax, Nova Scotia bound for Plymouth Harbor in Massachusetts, where it docked later Thursday near a replica of the original Mayflower that brought the Pilgrims to America.

Nonprofit marine research organization ProMare worked with IBM to build the ship and has been using it to collect data about whales, microplastics pollution and for other scientific research. Small autonomous experimental vessels have crossed the Atlantic before but researchers describe it as the first ship of its size to do so.

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‘Saildrone’ Footage Offers Rare Peek Inside a Category 4 Hurricane

The 23-foot crewless vessel pierced the eyewall of Hurricane Sam and captured stunning images as the storm barreled through the Atlantic Ocean.

By Vimal Patel

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The video looks like it could be b-roll from the 2000 film “The Perfect Storm.”

The camera is tossed around by winds topping 120 miles per hour and waves towering to 50 feet, all amid dense clouds.

But this isn’t Hollywood. The 28-second clip shot by a crewless vessel on Thursday was a first-of-its-kind glimpse from inside a major hurricane, scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said.

The 23-foot vessel pierced the eyewall of Hurricane Sam as it barreled through the Atlantic Ocean. Sam, which peaked as a Category 4 storm , was downgraded to a Category 2 storm on Sunday but was still packing winds of up to 100 m.p.h.

“This is a truly groundbreaking accomplishment because we’ve shown for the first time that it’s possible to send an uncrewed, remote-controlled vehicle on the surface of the ocean directly into a major hurricane — one of the harshest environments on Earth — and we showed that we can retrieve this extremely valuable data from within the hurricane immediately,” Greg Foltz, a NOAA scientist who was involved with the effort, said in an interview on Saturday.

“That’s never been done,” he added.

Dr. Foltz said the knowledge gleaned was critical to improving storm forecasting and reducing the loss of life in coastal communities at a time when climate change is making hurricanes stronger.

The drones, he said, measure key processes that drive hurricane intensification, which is defined as maximum sustained winds strengthening by 30 knots or more within a day. This includes quantifying the exchange of energy between the ocean and the hurricane and the ocean’s frictional effect on the storm, he said.

“This really opens up a whole new realm of possibilities for observing a hurricane,” he said.

Rapid intensification of hurricanes poses a serious threat to coastal communities, Dr. Foltz said.

For example, Hurricane Michael was forecast to arrive in October 2018 as a tropical storm but instead furiously amped up and smashed into the Florida Panhandle with winds topping 155 m.p.h.

The phenomenon “doesn’t happen very often but can be dangerous and is very poorly understood,” he said.

crewless sailboat

The vehicle that made it into Sam is one of five “Saildrones” that have been gathering data in the Atlantic during hurricane season to better understand the storms.

The hurricane program is the product of a partnership between NOAA and Saildrones Inc., a company based in Alameda, Calif., that manufactures and operates the vehicles. The company got its start with $2.5 million in grants from Eric Schmidt, Google’s former chief executive , and his wife, Wendy Schmidt.

The company’s autonomous vehicles have been deployed for ocean mapping, maritime security and other uses from the Arctic to the Antarctic. But getting inside a hurricane was the “last frontier” of the drones’ survivability, Richard Jenkins, the company’s chief executive, said.

“For our first boat to get through a Category 4 hurricane without any damage is phenomenal from an engineering perspective,” said Mr. Jenkins, a sailor himself. “These are conditions that would sink almost any ship.”

He described the Saildrone as unsinkable and submersible. It “could be held under water for a long time and pop back up,” he said. The Saildrone wing technology allows a mission to last up to 12 months without the need to return to land for maintenance or refueling, the company said.

NOAA has a long-term commitment to advancing drone technology and envisions a fleet of Saildrones operating in the Atlantic during hurricane season each year, Dr. Foltz said. He has short-term plans as well.

“We still have about a month to go in the peak of the hurricane season,” he said. “We hope to get another Saildrone into a hurricane and get more valuable measurements this year.”

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The first unmanned boat for general duties with the Royal Navy has been by NavyX and BAE Systems, the Royal Navy announced on 24th June.

More than £3m is being invested in the crewless Pacific 24 boat – and other autonomous small craft technology.

The boats could operate individually – or in groups – racing over the ocean at speeds of up to 38 knots (nearly 44mph).

The Pacific 24 has been the backbone of sea boat operations from Royal Navy warships for more than a quarter of a century, with the latest variant, the Mark 4, introduced four years ago.

The boats are fundamental to life-saving search-and-rescue duties, serve as the springboard for commandos and sailors on board-and-search operations looking for drugs in the Caribbean and Middle East, and ferry personnel and stores between ships or from ship to shore.

But there may be occasions when a crewless vessel might perform the same, similar, or even entirely new missions.

Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin said: “Commencing the trials of the crewless Pacific 24 boat is an important stepping stone in the Royal Navy’s development of its autonomous capability to ensure our fleet remains at the forefront of military innovation and technology, ready to meet the evolving threats of modern warfare.”

The crewless Pacific 24 is sponsored by NavyX – the specialist wing of the Royal Navy dedicated to rapidly developing, testing and trialling cutting-edge and new technologies for use on the front line.

The team has worked in partnership with BAE Systems, who build the Pacific 24 in Portsmouth, to commission the new boat.

A prototype, controlled from frigate HMS Argyll, debuted at the DSEI defence/technology showcase in London last September, since when BAE and the Navy have pressed ahead with a working model fit for the front line.

The first crewless boat for general duties with the Royal Navy has been launched by #NavyX and @BAESystemsplc , ready for trials to see how it could be used in future deployments @Navy_Innovation #futurenavy #RNInnovation 🔗 https://t.co/hWaqj4uh3W pic.twitter.com/xALUsB1A4d — Royal Navy (@RoyalNavy) June 24, 2020

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Sea Air Space 2024

Royal Navy Launched its First ‘crewless Pacific 24 boat’ USV

The first crewless pacific 24 unmanned surface vessel (usv) for general duties with the royal navy has been launched, ready for trials to see how it – and similar craft – might fit into the ‘fleet of tomorrow’..

Xavier Vavasseur 24 Jun 2020

Royal Navy press release

More than £3m is being invested in the crewless Pacific 24 boat – and other autonomous small craft technology.

The boats could operate individually – or in groups – racing over the ocean at speeds of up to 38 knots (nearly 44mph).

The Pacific 24 has been the backbone of sea boat operations from Royal Navy warships for more than a quarter of a century, with the latest variant, the Mark 4, introduced four years ago.

The boats are fundamental to life-saving search-and-rescue duties, serve as the springboard for commandos and sailors on board-and-search operations looking for drugs in the Caribbean and Middle East, and ferry personnel and stores between ships or from ship to shore.

But there may be occasions when a crewless vessel might perform the same, similar, or even entirely new missions.

“Commencing the trials of the crewless Pacific 24 boat is an important stepping stone in the Royal Navy’s development of its autonomous capability to ensure our fleet remains at the forefront of military innovation and technology, ready to meet the evolving threats of modern warfare.” Minister for Defence Procurement Jeremy Quin

The crewless Pacific 24 is sponsored by NavyX – the specialist wing of the Royal Navy dedicated to rapidly developing, testing and trialling cutting-edge and new technologies for use on the front line.

The team has worked in partnership with BAE Systems, who build the Pacific 24 in Portsmouth, to commission the new boat.

P24 USV at DSEI 2019.

A prototype, controlled from frigate HMS Argyll, debuted at the DSEI defence/technology showcase in London last September, since when BAE and the Navy have pressed ahead with a working model fit for the front line.

While the boat’s hull and propulsion system remain the same, the control system and sensors have been changed/added to allow for autonomous movement – a sailor should be able to give the unmanned craft generic tasking, and the boat will decide for itself how it carries out that task.

The potential of the autonomous boat will only truly be realised when it is put “in the hands of the warfighter” – it will begin trials with a Royal Navy warship later this year which should determine whether the UK invests in a fleet of such craft or just a few for specific missions.

“The autonomous Pacific 24 is not just a step change for the Royal Navy in unmanned operations, it also ensures the Navy remains at the forefront of technological improvement and innovation,” Lieutenant Commander Rob Manson of the NavyX team.

“While initial tasks are likely to be familiar to those who already operate a Pacific 24, the autonomous nature of this craft adds huge capability and flexibility.

“Additionally, this capability can be constantly improved, allowing continuous updates and capability upgrades, resulting in regular additions to the toolbox of operational planners.”

Brooke Hoskins, Products and Training Services Director at BAE Systems said: “It’s fantastic to see the Royal Navy’s first autonomous Pacific 24 enter the water.

“This milestone has been a goal since we first demonstrated the unmanned capabilities of our Pacific boats to them last year.

“It is a key step in supporting NavyX, turning what was originally an innovative research and development experiment into a fielded capability for the Royal Navy.

“We are proud to support the Royal Navy’s autonomous requirements, which includes increasing its operational effectiveness whilst reducing the burden on, or threat to, its sailors.”

Trials with the new craft begin this month, followed by integrating it into a front-line warship’s combat and navigation systems later in the year.

DSA 2024

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Exploring Yacht Size: Sail Solo Without a Crew

crew-free yacht dimensions

When it comes to sailing solo without a crew, selecting the right yacht size is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. The size of the yacht will depend on various factors, including individual preferences, budget, and sailing plans. Small yachts, typically between 35 to 45 feet, offer easier handling and maneuverability, making them ideal for solo sailors. On the other hand, larger yachts provide more speed, stability, carrying capacity, and comfort systems. However, they also come with higher purchase and ownership costs. It’s important to consider the choice between a monohull and a catamaran, with monohulls being more common for solo circumnavigation. Catamarans, on the other hand, offer comfort and stability at anchor but can be less comfortable in challenging weather conditions. Safety risks exist for both types of boats, and realistic risk assessment is essential. When selecting a yacht size, it is crucial to consider individual living space and performance requirements. Yachts under 25 feet are suitable for specialized adventures, while yachts between 25 to 45 feet are often considered the sweet spot for most cruisers, offering a balance between cost, comfort, and speed. Larger yachts over 50 feet provide more space and comfort but also come with higher costs. Ultimately, it is important to align the size of the yacht with personal sailing plans and budget.

Key Takeaways: 1. Selecting the right yacht size is crucial for solo sailing without a crew. 2. Small yachts offer easier handling and maneuverability, while larger yachts provide more speed and comfort. 3. Consider the choice between a monohull and a catamaran based on individual needs and preferences. 4. Assess safety risks realistically for both types of boats. 5. Choose a yacht size based on individual living space and performance requirements, considering specialized adventures or long-term lifestyles. 6. Yachts between 25 to 45 feet are often considered the sweet spot for most cruisers, offering a balance between cost, comfort, and speed. 7. Larger yachts over 50 feet provide more space and comfort but come with higher costs.

Factors to Consider for Solo Sailing

There are several important factors to consider when deciding on the dimensions of a crew-free yacht for solo sailing, including the size of luxury yachts that can be enjoyed without a crew. One of the primary considerations is the size of the yacht itself. Small boats, typically between 35 to 45 feet, are easier to handle and maneuver, making them a popular choice for solo sailors. They offer increased agility and responsiveness, allowing for greater control in various weather conditions.

On the other hand, larger yachts provide advantages such as increased speed, stability, and carrying capacity. With more space, they can accommodate additional comfort systems and tools that make handling easier. However, it is essential to keep in mind that larger boats come with higher purchase and ownership costs.

The choice between a monohull and a catamaran is another factor to consider. Monohulls are more commonly used for solo circumnavigation, offering a traditional sailing experience. Catamarans, on the other hand, provide comfort and stability at anchor, making them an excellent choice for those who prioritize leisurely cruising. It’s important to note that catamarans can be uncomfortable in rough conditions.

“When it comes to solo sailing, safety should always be a top priority. Assessing the risks associated with your chosen yacht size and understanding the safety features and equipment required is crucial for a safe and enjoyable solo sailing experience.”

Ultimately, the size of the yacht should align with an individual’s living space and performance requirements, as well as their overall sailing plans and budget. It is essential to consider both the practical aspects, such as handling and maneuverability, as well as personal preferences for comfort and functionality.

Benefits of Small Yachts for Solo Sailing

Opting for a smaller yacht size without crew offers numerous advantages for solo sailors, including enhanced handling capabilities and smaller dimensions suitable for crew-free sailing. Smaller yachts, typically ranging from 25 to 45 feet, provide greater maneuverability, allowing solo sailors to navigate tight spaces and handle the boat with ease.

These compact dimensions also make small yachts more manageable for single-handed sailing, as they require less physical effort to operate. Additionally, smaller yachts tend to have shallower drafts, allowing access to shallower anchorages and secluded coves that larger boats may not be able to reach. This enables solo sailors to explore lesser-known destinations and enjoy more intimate sailing experiences.

Furthermore, smaller yachts often come with lower purchase and ownership costs, making them more budget-friendly for solo sailors. Maintenance, docking fees, and insurance premiums are generally lower for smaller vessels compared to larger luxury yachts. This allows solo sailors to allocate their financial resources towards other aspects of their sailing adventures, such as exploring new destinations or investing in upgraded equipment.

In summary, opting for a smaller yacht size without crew provides solo sailors with increased maneuverability, accessibility to unique locations, and cost-saving benefits. It allows for a more intimate and personal sailing experience, while still providing the necessary comfort and functionality for solo sailing adventures.

yacht size without crew

While smaller yachts have their advantages, larger yacht sizes without a crew offer greater speed, stability, carrying capacity, and access to advanced comfort systems and tools for ease of handling. For solo sailors looking to cover long distances quickly, larger yachts provide the necessary speed to navigate through different weather conditions effectively. With a larger sail area and more powerful engines, these yachts can maintain higher speeds, allowing solo sailors to reach their destinations in a shorter amount of time.

In terms of stability, larger yachts are less prone to rolling and pitching motions, providing a smoother and more comfortable sailing experience. This stability becomes especially important when sailing in rough seas or adverse weather conditions, as it reduces the risk of capsizing or losing control of the yacht. Additionally, larger yachts offer a higher carrying capacity, allowing solo sailors to bring along more supplies, equipment, and personal belongings for extended journeys. The additional storage space also comes in handy for stowing safety equipment and spare parts.

One of the major advantages of larger yachts without a crew is the availability of advanced comfort systems and tools that make handling easier for solo sailors. These yachts often come equipped with features such as electric winches, automated rigging systems, and bow thrusters, which streamline sailing operations and minimize physical exertion. This means that solo sailors can handle larger yachts single-handedly without the need for additional crew members.

crew-free superyacht dimensions

However, it’s important to note that larger yacht sizes also come with higher purchase and ownership costs. The initial investment for a larger yacht is typically higher, and maintenance, marina fees, and insurance costs can also be more substantial. It’s crucial for solo sailors to consider their budget and financial capabilities when deciding on the dimensions of their yacht without a crew. Striking a balance between the desired size and the associated costs is key to ensuring a sustainable sailing experience.

Considerations for Monohulls and Catamarans

When considering yacht size without a crew, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of monohulls and catamarans to find the right fit for your solo sailing adventure. Monohulls, which are traditional single-hulled boats, are more commonly used for solo circumnavigation. They offer a sense of simplicity and are known for their good upwind performance. On the other hand, catamarans, which have two hulls, provide greater comfort and stability at anchor.

When selecting the right yacht size without a crew, it’s important to consider the trade-offs between monohulls and catamarans. If you prioritize simplicity, good upwind performance, and lower maintenance costs, a monohull may be the better choice. However, if comfort, stability, and spacious living areas are your main concerns, a catamaran may be more suitable. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your individual preferences, sailing plans, and budget.

yacht size without crew

When it comes to solo sailing, choosing the right yacht size without a crew is essential. Small boats, typically ranging from 35 to 45 feet, are easier to handle and maneuver. They offer a sense of independence and are well-suited for solo adventurers who prefer a more hands-on approach. These smaller yachts provide the freedom to explore secluded anchorages and navigate narrow channels with ease.

On the other hand, larger yachts offer advantages in terms of speed, stability, and carrying capacity. They come equipped with more comfort systems and tools to make handling easier. However, it’s important to consider that bigger boats come with higher purchase and ownership costs. These larger yachts require more crew or advanced sailing skills to operate efficiently.

The choice between a monohull and a catamaran is another factor to consider. Monohulls are more common for solo circumnavigation due to their simplicity and traditional appeal. Catamarans, on the other hand, offer increased comfort and stability at anchor, making them popular choices for extended cruising. However, they can be uncomfortable in heavy seas and may have higher purchase and maintenance costs.

When choosing the size of your yacht without a crew, it’s important to assess the risks realistically and prioritize your individual living space and performance requirements. Yachts under 25 feet are suitable for specialized adventures rather than long-term lifestyles. Yachts between 25 to 45 feet are considered the sweet spot for most cruisers, offering a balance between cost, comfort, and speed. Yachts over 50 feet provide more space and comfort but come with higher costs.

Safety Considerations for Solo Sailing

Solo sailors must carefully evaluate the safety risks associated with both monohulls and catamarans, taking into account the dimensions of crewless luxury yachts and considering any potential safety concerns. When sailing alone, it’s important to have a yacht that is capable of handling the demands of solo navigation, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Monohulls are a popular choice for solo circumnavigation due to their simplicity and reliability. With their single hull design, they offer stability in rough seas and have a long history of successful solo journeys. However, it’s crucial to choose a monohull that is suitable for solo sailing, considering factors such as size, weight, and handling characteristics.

Catamarans, on the other hand, provide added comfort and stability at anchor. Their dual-hull design offers more living space and allows for better weight distribution, making them suitable for extended periods on board. However, it’s important to note that catamarans can be less comfortable in challenging conditions, as they are more prone to slamming and may require additional attention to maintain stability.

Regardless of the chosen yacht type, solo sailors should always prioritize safety when considering dimensions. It’s essential to assess the yacht’s stability, maneuverability, and self-sufficiency. Safety features such as adequate lifelines, grab rails, and easy access to essential equipment should also be considered. Additionally, taking into account weather conditions, route planning, and emergency preparedness are vital for a safe solo sailing experience.

crewless luxury yacht sizes

Ultimately, the dimensions of crewless luxury yachts should align with the individual’s sailing abilities, preferences, and safety requirements. By carefully evaluating these factors, solo sailors can make an informed decision that ensures a safe and enjoyable journey on the open seas.

Tailoring Yacht Size to Individual Needs

The ideal yacht size without a crew should be based on individual preferences, including the desired living space and performance requirements for solo sailing adventures. When considering the dimensions of a crew-free sailing yacht, it’s important to strike a balance between comfort, maneuverability, and cost.

For those looking for specialized adventures rather than long-term lifestyles, yachts under 25 feet can offer unique sailing experiences. These compact vessels are perfect for exploring shallow waters and secluded coves. Their smaller dimensions also make them more affordable in terms of purchase and ownership costs. Plus, their maneuverability allows for easy navigation in tight spaces.

On the other hand, yachts between 25 to 45 feet are the sweet spot for most cruisers. They provide a comfortable living space while still being manageable for solo sailors. These dimensions offer a good balance between cost, comfort, and speed, making them versatile options for different sailing plans.

For those seeking more space and luxury, larger yachts over 50 feet can provide the ultimate sailing experience. With their increased dimensions, these yachts offer ample living space, stability, and carrying capacity. However, it’s important to keep in mind that larger vessels come with higher purchase and ownership costs. It’s crucial to align the yacht size with individual budget constraints.

When choosing the ideal dimensions for a yacht without a crew, it’s essential to consider personal preferences and sailing goals. Whether it’s a compact vessel for specialized adventures or a spacious yacht for long-term cruising, finding the right size will ensure a memorable and enjoyable solo sailing experience.

Specialized Adventures with Small Yachts

Yachts under 25 feet in size are ideal for those seeking specialized adventures rather than long-term lifestyles, offering compact dimensions suitable for crewless motor yachts and the pursuit of unique sailing experiences. These small yachts provide the perfect opportunity to explore hidden coves, navigate shallow waters, and venture into tighter spots that larger vessels may not be able to access.

With their nimble handling and maneuverability, small yachts are well-suited for sailing in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. They can be easily trailered, allowing for effortless transport and the ability to explore different bodies of water. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, fishing trip, or solo exploration, these small yachts offer the freedom and flexibility to create unforgettable memories on the water.

If you’re interested in embarking on specialized adventures such as fishing expeditions or day sailing trips, yachts under 25 feet provide the perfect platform. With their compact dimensions, these crewless motor yachts offer efficiency and versatility, allowing you to navigate with ease and focus on the activities you love. From casting a line in search of the perfect catch to enjoying a leisurely day under sail, these small yachts offer endless possibilities for exciting and unique experiences.

crewless motor yacht

The Sweet Spot: Yachts between 25 to 45 feet

For the majority of solo sailors, yachts between 25 to 45 feet offer the perfect balance between cost, comfort, and speed, making them the ideal dimensions for crewless sailing yachts. These boats provide enough space to accommodate essential amenities and equipment while remaining manageable for single-handed sailing. With their moderate size, they strike a balance between being nimble enough to handle in various conditions and offering the necessary stability for extended journeys.

Yachts in this size range often come with a range of features and capabilities that cater to the needs of solo sailors. They typically offer comfortable living spaces, including sleeping quarters, a galley, and a bathroom, providing all the essentials for extended stays at sea. Additionally, they have sufficient storage capacity to carry food, clothing, and equipment, ensuring self-sufficiency during long voyages.

The dimensions of crewless yachts between 25 to 45 feet also contribute to their affordability. These boats are more cost-effective to purchase and maintain compared to larger vessels. Additionally, their moderate size leads to lower docking and mooring fees, making them a practical choice for solo sailors on a budget.

crewless yacht

In terms of speed, yachts in this size range offer adequate performance. They are designed to strike a balance between speed and stability, allowing solo sailors to navigate efficiently and comfortably. While larger yachts may offer more speed, the difference is often not significant enough to justify the higher costs associated with increased dimensions.

Ultimately, when it comes to solo sailing without a crew, it is crucial to choose a yacht size that meets individual requirements. Yachts between 25 to 45 feet provide the perfect dimensions for most solo sailors, striking a balance between cost, comfort, and speed. Whether embarking on adventurous expeditions or leisurely cruises, these crewless sailing yachts offer the ideal platform for unforgettable solo sailing experiences.

The Allure of Larger Yachts

Larger yacht sizes over 50 feet offer a greater amount of space and comfort for solo sailors, but it’s essential to be aware of the higher costs that come with these crew-free superyacht dimensions . If you prioritize luxurious amenities and spacious living quarters, a larger yacht might be the perfect choice for your solo sailing adventure. These yachts provide ample room for relaxation and entertainment, with multiple cabins, gourmet kitchens, and expansive deck spaces.

One of the key advantages of larger yachts is the increased carrying capacity they offer. With more storage space, you can bring along all the necessary supplies for extended voyages without sacrificing comfort. These yachts are also equipped with advanced technology and systems to enhance your sailing experience, such as stabilizers for a smoother ride, advanced navigation tools, and powerful engines for increased speed.

However, it’s important to consider the financial implications of owning a larger yacht. The purchase price, maintenance costs, insurance, and mooring fees can be significantly higher compared to smaller vessels. It’s crucial to factor in these additional expenses when determining the feasibility of owning and operating a crew-free superyacht. Careful budgeting and financial planning are necessary to ensure a seamless and enjoyable solo sailing experience.

Ultimately, the decision to choose a larger yacht for solo sailing depends on your personal preferences, sailing goals, and budget. If space, comfort, and luxurious amenities are of utmost importance, and you are willing to invest in the additional costs, a crew-free superyacht can provide an unparalleled sailing experience. However, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the financial implications and ensure that the dimensions of a larger yacht align with your long-term plans and budget.

crew-free superyacht dimensions

Selecting the appropriate yacht size without a crew should be a careful decision that takes into account individual sailing plans and budget, ensuring that the dimensions of luxury yachts align with personal preferences and financial considerations. When it comes to solo sailing, finding the right balance between size, cost, and comfort is essential.

For most cruisers, yachts between 25 to 45 feet offer the ideal dimensions. They provide a sweet spot in terms of cost, comfort, and speed. These yachts are large enough to offer a comfortable living space, yet small enough to be easily handled and maneuvered by a single sailor. They strike the perfect balance for adventurers who seek independence without compromising on necessary amenities.

crewless luxury yacht sizes

However, it’s important to consider that larger yachts, typically over 50 feet, offer more space and comfort. These dimensions come with higher purchase and ownership costs, including maintenance, insurance, and other expenses. It’s crucial to assess the financial feasibility of owning a larger yacht and ensure it aligns with the intended sailing plans and budget.

When considering yacht size, the choice between a monohull and a catamaran is another factor to keep in mind. Monohulls are more common for solo circumnavigation, while catamarans offer enhanced comfort and stability at anchor. Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and personal preferences play a crucial role in deciding the dimensions of the yacht.

In summary, choosing the perfect yacht size without a crew involves considering individual sailing plans and budget. It necessitates finding the right balance between cost, comfort, and performance requirements. By aligning the dimensions of luxury yachts with personal preferences and financial considerations, solo sailors can embark on their adventures with confidence and peace of mind.

Choosing Your Perfect Yacht Size

With the information provided, it’s time to choose your perfect yacht size without a crew, considering the range of dimensions available for crew-free sailing and finding the one that fits your unique requirements. When it comes to yacht size for solo sailing, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are a few key considerations that can guide your decision-making process.

Firstly, think about the handling and maneuverability of the yacht. Smaller boats, typically between 25 to 45 feet, are easier to handle and maneuver, making them more suitable for solo sailors who may not have assistance on board. These boats are often more cost-effective and easier to maintain.

On the other hand, larger yachts can offer increased speed, stability, and carrying capacity. They also provide more space and comfort systems, making extended solo sailing more enjoyable. However, it’s important to consider that larger boats come with higher purchase and ownership costs, both in terms of initial investment and ongoing expenses such as fuel, maintenance, and insurance.

Another aspect to consider is the choice between a monohull and a catamaran. Monohulls are more common for solo circumnavigation, as they offer better upwind performance and are known for their seaworthiness. Catamarans, on the other hand, provide greater comfort and stability at anchor, but they can be less comfortable in certain weather conditions. Assessing the risks and the specific requirements of your sailing plans is crucial in making the right choice between these two types of boats.

Factors to Consider for Choosing Yacht Size Without a Crew:

  • Handling and maneuverability
  • Speed, stability, and carrying capacity
  • Space and comfort systems
  • Initial and ongoing costs
  • Choice between monohulls and catamarans

With these factors in mind, take the time to assess your living space and performance requirements as an individual sailor. Consider the specific adventures you have in mind and how the chosen yacht size will support your goals. Whether you prefer smaller vessels for specialized adventures or larger yachts for extended cruising, finding the right dimensions is essential to ensuring a safe and enjoyable solo sailing experience.

Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, but by considering these factors and aligning your yacht size with your plans and budget, you can embark on the journey of a lifetime with confidence and excitement. Happy sailing!

Crew-free sailing yacht dimensions

When it comes to sailing solo without a crew, choosing the right yacht size is essential. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, the most common size range for solo sailing is between 35 to 45 feet. Small boats are easier to handle and maneuver, while larger boats offer more speed, stability, and carrying capacity. Bigger boats can also have more comfort systems and tools to make handling easier. However, larger boats come with higher purchase and ownership costs.

crew-free motor yacht sizes

Exploring yacht ownership costs is an important step in selecting the appropriate yacht dimensions for crew-free motor yachts and crew-free superyachts, considering expenses such as maintenance, insurance, and other financial obligations. Owning a yacht involves regular maintenance and servicing to ensure its optimal performance and longevity. This includes routine inspections, cleaning, and repairs to keep the vessel in top condition. Insurance is also a crucial aspect of yacht ownership, protecting against unforeseen events, accidents, and damage. Additionally, there are other associated costs, such as docking fees, fuel, crew (if needed), and any ongoing upgrades or modifications.

Considering these expenses is crucial when selecting the dimensions of crew-free motor yachts and crew-free superyachts. It’s important to determine the budget available for yacht ownership and the ongoing costs that will be incurred. By carefully assessing ownership costs and aligning them with personal financial capabilities, individuals can make an informed decision about the size of the yacht that best suits their needs and budget. Ultimately, the dimensions of the yacht should provide both an enjoyable sailing experience and a sustainable ownership journey.

The Freedom of Solo Sailing

Solo sailing offers a remarkable sense of freedom and independence, allowing sailors to explore the vast oceans with crew-free yachts that perfectly fit their solo sailing dimensions. When choosing the right yacht size for solo adventures, there are various factors to consider. Small boats, typically ranging from 25 to 45 feet, are easier to handle and maneuver. They offer flexibility and agility, enabling solo sailors to navigate through tight spaces and challenging conditions.

Larger boats, on the other hand, provide advantages such as increased speed, stability, and carrying capacity. With more space, comfort systems, and tools, handling becomes easier for those looking for a more luxurious sailing experience. However, it is important to note that bigger boats come with higher purchase and ownership costs. These costs include maintenance, insurance, fuel, and docking fees, among others. Therefore, it is crucial to align the size of the yacht with personal sailing plans and budget constraints.

When deciding between a monohull and a catamaran, it is worth considering the type of sailing experience desired. Monohulls are commonly used for solo circumnavigation due to their seaworthiness and sailing performance. On the other hand, catamarans offer increased comfort and stability at anchor, but may be less comfortable in rough weather conditions. Safety is a paramount concern for solo sailors, and it is essential to assess the risks associated with both types of boats realistically.

crew-free yacht dimensions

Ultimately, selecting the perfect yacht size without a crew depends on individual living space and performance requirements. Whether it’s a small boat for specialized adventures or a larger vessel for long-term cruising, finding the right dimensions ensures a satisfying and safe solo sailing experience. So set sail and embrace the freedom that comes with solo sailing, as you navigate the open seas in your crew-free yacht perfectly suited to your chosen dimensions.

In conclusion, choosing the right yacht size without a crew is a personal decision that should take into account individual requirements, acknowledging the dimensions of crew-free yachts and aligning them with personal preferences, plans, and budget.

When it comes to solo sailing, the size of the yacht plays a crucial role in the overall experience. Small yachts, typically between 25 to 45 feet, offer easier handling and maneuverability, making them ideal for solo adventurers. They strike a balance between cost, comfort, and speed, providing an enjoyable sailing experience without compromising on essentials.

On the other hand, larger yachts over 50 feet provide more spacious living areas, increased comfort, and additional amenities. They offer faster speeds, greater stability, and enhanced carrying capacity. However, it’s important to note that these larger dimensions come with higher purchase and ownership costs.

When deciding between a monohull and a catamaran, consider the sailing plans and conditions you’ll be encountering. Monohulls are more commonly used for solo circumnavigation, while catamarans offer increased comfort and stability at anchor. Both options have their pros and cons, so it’s vital to realistically assess the safety risks and select the dimensions that best suit your needs.

Ultimately, the choice of yacht size should be guided by individual living space and performance requirements. Specialized adventures can be enjoyed with yachts under 25 feet, while the sweet spot for most cruisers lies between 25 to 45 feet. However, if space and comfort are paramount, larger yachts may be the preferred option, despite the higher costs involved.

By carefully considering these factors and aligning them with personal preferences, plans, and budget, solo sailors can find the perfect yacht size that will enable them to embark on their sailing adventures with confidence and freedom.

Q: What is the most common size range for solo sailing without a crew?

A: The most common size range for solo sailing without a crew is between 35 to 45 feet.

Q: What are the benefits of smaller yachts for solo sailing?

A: Smaller yachts are easier to handle and maneuver.

Q: What are the advantages of larger yachts for solo sailing?

A: Larger yachts offer more speed, stability, carrying capacity, and comfort systems.

Q: Should I choose a monohull or a catamaran for solo sailing?

A: Monohulls are more common for solo circumnavigation, while catamarans offer comfort and stability at anchor.

Q: What are the safety considerations for solo sailing?

A: Safety risks exist for both monohulls and catamarans, and it’s important to assess the risks realistically.

Q: How should I tailor the yacht size to my individual needs?

A: The size of the yacht should be based on individual living space and performance requirements.

Q: Are yachts under 25 feet suitable for long-term lifestyles?

A: Yachts under 25 feet are more suitable for specialized adventures rather than long-term lifestyles.

Q: What is the sweet spot for most cruisers when it comes to yacht size?

A: Yachts between 25 to 45 feet offer a balance between cost, comfort, and speed.

Q: What are the allure and costs of larger yachts?

A: Larger yachts provide more space and comfort but come with higher costs.

Q: How should I choose the perfect yacht size?

A: Consider your sailing plans and budget, and find the dimensions that best suit your needs.

Q: What are the costs associated with yacht ownership?

A: Yacht ownership costs include maintenance, insurance, and other expenses.

Q: What is the freedom of solo sailing?

A: Solo sailing offers freedom and independence to explore unique experiences and adventures.

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  • https://www.windward-islands.net/blog/boat-size-sail-around-world/

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Baron Cooke has been writing and editing for 7 years. He grew up with an aptitude for geometry, statistics, and dimensions. He has a BA in construction management and also has studied civil infrastructure, engineering, and measurements. He is the head writer of measuringknowhow.com

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British Royal Navy’s MADFOX crewless boat fires missile for first time

Over 900 personnel, 70 autonomous uncrewed systems and 11 naval ships participated in the Nato exercise.

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The British Royal Navy’s new autonomous vessel demonstrated its potential and capabilities by firing a missile for the first time.

Called ‘Maritime Demonstrator For Operational eXperimentation (Madfox)’, the ship was participating in the annual experimentation exercise.

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Nato’s REPMUS 2021 is a two-week maritime exercise that was conducted in September in Portugal. It involved testing the integration of Nato systems, as well as exploring current and new military roles for autonomy.

During the trials, a Puma drone launched from Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ‘USNS Carson City’ relayed target information to a land-based control centre for the firing.

MADFOX fired the missile upon receipt of the target information.

In March this year, the navy’s experimentation innovator NavyX received the autonomous military ship .

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NavyX is the Royal Navy’s ‘Autonomy and Lethality Accelerator’ designed to rapidly test and develop new and emerging technologies.

NavyX Experimentation team leader commander Antony Crabb said: “The system launch from MADFOX was a UK first, demonstrating the potential of uncrewed surface vessels for lethal and other payloads; crucially, the whole serial was commanded, enabled and facilitated using information provided by uncrewed systems.

“It is a significant step for UK/US interoperability and interchangeability.”

REPMUS 2021 saw participation of over 900 personnel, 70 autonomous uncrewed systems and 11 naval ships.

In addition, the boat supported night-time amphibious operations, which saw MADFOX observe a ‘target’, undetected, and provide ‘live imagery’ through its onboard cameras.

Corpo de Fuzileiros lieutenant Maia said: “The situational awareness provided by MADFOX and the aerial drones was brilliant, and the new technology enabled very close coordination between the headquarters and my marines.

“Even before leaving the ship we had good information, and this was updated as we travelled to the target. It really showed how Nato drones are becoming more and more interoperable.”

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  11. New autonomous vessel delivered to Royal Navy

    The Royal Navy's experimentation innovator NavyX has officially welcomed a new autonomous vessel into its service. Named Madfox (Maritime Demonstrator For Operational eXperimentation), it is derived from technology firm L3Harris' Mast-13 vessel, which for the past 18 months has been operated by Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) on a series of trials with the Royal Navy.

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