Sailing with electric motor power has completely changed how we approach life at sea. When Ocean Strider left Whitehaven Marina with electric motor and a full charge on the 25th of July 2021, it was a joy. We were greeted with sunshine and a favourable following wind as expected. We set the sails in a classic gull-wing formation. Main sail on one side, foresail on the other. We cruised smoothly towards our next destination: Barrow-in-Furness, the northwest coast of England.
Sailing with Electric Motor and a Following Wind
This leg of the journey was a reminder of why we chose to cruise with an electric motor, using the power of the wind and sails as much as possible. A following wind on its own is my favourite way to cruise. Add the silent, smooth fume free electric motor as a pick me up during slack winds and you have the ultimate team on your boat.
Relying on their Diesel Engine
Our friends, who had departed Maryport just ahead of us, had carried onto Barrow in Furness (an extra 40 miles under motor) in one trip the previous day. They were forced to rely heavily on their motor. This was due to the lack of wind (a costly decision if money is tight).
For us, time and planning were going to be the key for conserving our meagre finances. Using the weather forecast and currents to dictate our movements, we embraced sailing with our electric motor and used the natural flow of the elements.
Relying too much on our electric motor would drain our batteries. We couldn’t afford to burn through our reserves. We needed the motor when it was time to rest up and start our next journey.
Electric Motor Made Our Adventure Viable
Constant motoring on diesel (if we had it) would have made this voyage financially impossible for us. Our commitment to carbon-free sailing meant that we had to work with nature, not against it. It was a win, win situation sailing with our electric motor.
Rewards are Undeniable
The rewards were undeniable. Along the way, we were treated to incredible encounters with marine life. A sight that never fails to take my breath away. A pod of dolphins with their babies playfully surfaced acrobatically, alongside Ocean Strider. Check out the video here. Their sleek forms gliding effortlessly through the waves.
Why We Embarked on this Journey
Later that evening, as we entered the estuary of Barrow in Furness, near Peel Island, we were welcomed by the sight of a large group of seals basking in the fading light. These moments, unexpected and humbling, reminded us why we had embarked on this sailing with electric motor journey in the first place.
Every mile under sail strengthens our belief that adventure and sustainability go hand in hand. The wind, the sea, and the wildlife with which we share this planet continue to shape our experience in the most remarkable ways.
Want to take a closer look at Ocean Strider? Check out our video, where we introduce our floating home. Introducing Ocean Strider.
Lessons Learned
Lessons with the RYA and from my previous sailing journeys with electric propulsion taught me how critical it is to focus on the weather forecast, currents and to consider the distance we had to travel. Think everything through. Then consider how far we could sailed using just the electric motor,” just in case”. Use all the information and a rough speed of 4-5 knots to gauge when we would arrive at our next destination.
The wind and current information would either add or subtract the distance and speed we could travel. Sleeping on that information over night, I would make my decision when to leave in the morning. So we could make it to our next destination with plenty of time!! I wish!!
I was taught to sail using the above information but making mainly short trips with diesel engines I became lazy. This was not going to work on this adventure with electric propulsion.
Every port and anchorage is now going to be a completely new experience. Power in the batteries to use the electric propulsion would be a life saver. I had my battery monitor which was in my opinion was better than a fuel gauge.
We would be anchoring at Barrow in Furness this trip, so no shore power to recharge the batteries. I had to think about leaving with enough power the next day. We had the wind turbine for overnight charging, a crucial part of Ocean Strider’s sustainability system.
