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Changing from Wind to Solar Energy

When I moved my new Nicholson 32 sloop, Alibi of Bridham, from a marina to a mooring this summer I also had to rethink my power requirements, since the change meant severing my umbilical to the grid. Although I had a powerful (read: noisy) wind generator as an alternative power source, along with a small photovoltaic (PV) solar array to keep the engine’s cranking battery topped up when the wind dies, I’ve since decided to lose the noisy windmill and go wholly solar.

Installing a Pole Mounted Solar Panel

I had to find a way to charge the batteries in my absence, which meant wind or solar power. I toyed with the idea of installing a wind generator, but it seemed like too much expense and hassle; and, lacking a bimini, there was nowhere convenient to place a solar panel where it wouldn’t be either in the shadow of the rig or in the way of the crew…

Flexible Solar Panels

Maintenance-free and weatherproof, Ganz Eco-energy semi-flexible solar panels provide clean, quiet, reliable power offshore

Sail magazine October book cover

October Issue Sneak Peek

The temperatures are starting to cool off, the days are getting shorter, and your October issue is on its way. Here’s what’s coming up.

A man sailing a dinghy with an electric motor

Dinghies-Compact Kickers

Small electric outboards are becoming increasingly popular for everything
from dinghies to small race boats. We put three new models to the test.

The boom furling powered by Laughing Gull’s electric winch snagged Tamsin’s arm, resulting in a trip to the hospital.

Electric Winch Warning

Though they’ve made sailing easier and more accessible, electric winches must be treated with appropriate caution.

Woman wearing a hat on a boat.

Water System Salvation

Tank water can easily be contaminated with anything from a lingering bad taste to dangerous bacteria. Installing a triple filtration set up on Ben-Varrey helped.

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