Extreme Green Boating

Sometimes it seems like the only choice for boaters concerned about the environment is to trade in our fuel-driven motorboats for sailboats.

What more can you do?

You might get some ideas from an article the NY Times ran last week about a new mega yacht called Soliloquy. While Soliloquy is still in the conceptual stage, it is expected to have retractable (think Swiss Army) solar sails and a hybrid electric-diesel motor for back-up. Turning the vessel up a notch on the green meter, it will even come with treadmills that help charge the main batteries, making the boat partially human-powered. (Think cartoon hamster wheel.)

What else can you do? Sailing Magazine told us its green issue will be available in October. If you thought switching to sails was green enough, wait until you see what this issue has to offer. The issue is expected to discuss how to make sailing even greener, plus green places to sail and the best green products for sailors. Look for it soon at www.sailingmagazine.net.

###