Sail Electric, headed up by Wayne Peters, retro fit vessels with electric engines. In part two of our Q&A with Wayne, we learn more about the products used to re-fit vessels and what the future holds for Sail Electric.
What does the year ahead look like for electric boating?
The cat is certainly out of the bag for electric propulsion and, in fact, in general for power upgrades to make boats more efficient, able to stay unplugged for longer and to be more sustainable. We are gaining momentum day-to-day. It is motivating to receive so many enquiries, with one of the most noticeable shifts in attitude being the overall approach of ‘how do we do this’, as opposed to ‘what is this’. The general belief and confidence in full electric and hybrid tech, LiFePO4 technology, as well as a growing will to be green on the blue, is truly inspiring.
What sort of modernisation works are you undertaking now and how long do different projects take?
We have a range of projects in build, upgrades to existing customers, another full hybrid electric 52ft
expedition yacht refit in process with a 40ft beginning and a few smaller cruisers. We now work with a new range of outboards from 1kW to 50kW and a small 16ft fishing boat in-build for hybrid electric. These conversions can take from a week to several months plus, the pipeline is growing as we are now booking in vessels for the 2023/24-24/25 layup periods.
What are your plans with Sail Electric over the upcoming year?
Sail Electric is very much booked up for this year, with our engineers working on projects from the simplest battery upgrades and solar systems to full expedition preparation. During this time, I get the opportunity to sail, and provide talks and host discussions with our environmental partners to industry and academia on the technology we use, the ethos of leave no trace sailing, our relationship with the ocean, and its relationship with us.
Tell us about the work undertaken with Victron Energy.
I’ve been working with Victron for over a decade now, sending systems based on the range of bidirectional inverter chargers, and supporting monitoring and control equipment to customers around the world. From renewable powered oil pipeline safety valves (oh the irony) to expedition yachts studying ocean plastic. As well as Nazca operating a full suite of Victron equipment for off grid sailing, I also live off grid using their equipment, and have done for many years.
How does Victron tech work for you?
Victron form the heart of our marine systems. Their LiFePO4 batteries and control systems allow
optimum efficiency for the motor systems, but also allow incredibly diverse solar system to be designed to suit any vessel, they also manage all the AC systems on board, creating a “microgrid” and enabling the removal of LPG and the uptake of electric cooking, and heating water. Every watt, amp, environmental conditions, usage, and power generated is monitored and recorded, and as long as the boat is connected to the internet, we can advise on usage, fault find and guide a better experience in real time. With a service network around the globe, and a great deal of open-source expertise available, wherever you are in the world, Victron is certainly the go to for island energy.
When did you first learn about The Green Blue?
I first met Kate Fortnam, The Green Blue’s Campaign Manager, on a seagrass filming session supporting the Ocean Conservation Trust and EU Life Remedies at the 2021 Sail GP event. There was an obvious synergy between our organisations, raising awareness about all of the challenges faced to protect the marine environment is in line with ours and The Green Blue’s ambition to promote sustainability at sea. Kate and her team are inspirational in the work they’ve achieved, it’s an honour to be associated.
My role involves sharing their extensive literature and research with owners, operators, clubs and marinas we meet along our journey. In turn we share real world experiences on new ideas, methods and technologies and how they can help combat the negative influence we have on the marine environment.
Missed Part 1 of Conversations with… the Sail Electric? Read it here.
You can follow Wayne on his Instagram page @sail.electric
If you would like to learn more about electric engines, visit the Sail Electric website.
