An Open 60, trimmed for sustainability
Its Open 60 is to be fully electric and powered exclusively by renewable energies such as wind, hydropower and solar energy. In addition, the 60-footer named "Innovation Yachts" was built using exotic boat building materials such as volcanic rock fibres, balsa wood and biocompatible epoxy resin.
Three failed attempts already
This is Norbert Sedlacek's fourth attempt to finally make a success of his project called "Ant Arctic Lab".
In 2018, he set off from his base in Les Sables d'Olonne in France for the first time. However, too much of the technology on the boat was apparently not yet fully developed for the circumnavigation. Sedlacek turned back.
On the second attempt in 2019, a strong storm near Ireland, problems with the headsail, defective equipment and finally even a loss of sail forced the team to turn back.
Attempt number three was supposed to start in 2020. However, due to Covid restrictions and health problems, it only materialised last year. But there was another setback: south-east of Iceland, the problems with the power supply on board became so serious that the seemingly tireless solo sailor changed course back to his original harbour.
Follow Norbert Sedlacek on the tracker
Now attempt number four. Sedlacek and his team have again modified, tested and prepared and are now hoping for more favourable conditions for the project. Around 32,000 nautical miles and 200 days at sea await the skipper. His route can be followed live. It will first take him far north and then eastwards around the world through the high southern latitudes. Click here for the tracker.
