On October 16, 2006 the solar-powered catamaran was officially launched.
The first solar-powered transatlantic crossing began at 7:00 pm.
The vessel departed from Basel, Switzerland and will travel to Miami, Florida, the trips final destination is New York City.
The 7,000 mile journey is expected to finish by the spring of 2007.
The boat was named "Sun 21" The vessel sleeps 5 to 6 persons and has room for large groups for visits or short excursions.
The catamaran is pretty standard for the types of vessels that are available today expect for a large deck covered with photovoltaic cells.
"Sun21" uses two electric engines that run on batteries that have been power by solar cells.
During the day the catamaran uses less energy than it burns.
The excess energy is stored into batteries.
The stored power is then used during non-daylight hours.
The boat is able to travel at a constant speed of 5-6 knots 24 hours a day, which is the same average speed of a sailing yacht.
The point of this excursion is to show the world that photovoltaic cells have evolved tremendously since there inception.
Photovoltaic cells technology is far beyond short trip alone.
We can now travel long distances safely with the aid of solar panels.
Upon the successful completion of this voyage it will be registered as a new world record in the Guinness Book of Records.
It will be the first time that a motorized vessel crosses the Atlantic without a drop of gasoline.
The goal of this endeavor is to spark confidence and trust in solar energy.
This should strengthen the move towards cleaner sources of fuel for the future.