Electric sailing, theory and practice

Last year, we equipped our own catamaran with electric motors . Due to a lack of reference, we had to rely on theoretical calculations. In the first few weeks of testing on small waters, reality proved to be better than theory. We've now spent many weeks sailing, including considerable distances under motor. It's time for an interim evaluation based on two real-world cases to demonstrate the added value of electric boating in practice.

Electric sailing in practice case 1: Crossing Woubrugge – Stellendam via Rotterdam

We left early Saturday morning. No plotter or anything like that in the boat yet, and no idea of ​​the actual distance across the water to Rotterdam Marina on the Kop van Zuid . 16.5 NM, or 30 km as the crow flies. The theoretical range is between 60 and 90 km, and since it's 45 km across the water, we should arrive at the harbor with 25% battery .

Three things went wrong along the way.

1. On the first set of bridges, we tried to "hitch a ride" with another sailboat, but it was in an antisocial hurry. This caused us to sail much faster than planned, which compromised our range.
2. Near Gouda, the lithium battery in one of the wireless controllers had become lazy after a winter in the shed, requiring a cable. We had one, and we'd even fully installed it in the boat and routed it from the engine to the navigation table. Unfortunately, as it turned out, it was the wrong way around. While waiting for the railway bridge, we had to dismantle the entire system to reroute the cable, but in the opposite direction. Lesson learned: test beforehand!
3. We got through the lock at Capelle aan den IJssel with over 40% headway, which was fine! Then, however, we had to sail into the waterway against a force 5 wind and a strong current. What waves, what a crowd, and even at full throttle, the boat was completely out of control.

With 12% battery life remaining, we arrived at the harbor hours later and exhausted. Both theory and practice, we learned a lot from this crossing. Especially being frugal at the beginning and factoring in wind and currents.

Two days later we sailed from Rotterdam Marina to the new mooring in Stellendam .

Here too, waves, currents, and headwinds prevailed. By monitoring the tides and using our power sparingly, we covered a good 60 km through the harbor, the Spui, and the Haringvliet. With plenty of reserves, we arrived at our new mooring after a very long day of slow sailing.

Electric sailing in practice case 2: Tour of Tiengemeten

We were supposed to sail to the beautiful island of Tiengemeten. Unfortunately, there was hardly any wind, and the wind that did blow was directly against us. We ended up motoring for seven hours and moored at Tiengemeten.

Conclusions

1. The engines meet their calculated range, which is much greater than what is normally achieved with a sailboat powered by a motor. However, achieving this range requires very cautious use of the power.
2. Wind, current and time are very important factors and must be taken into account more than with a combustion engine.
3. Electric boating remains a fantastic, almost meditative experience. The peace and quiet, especially over long distances, are incredibly healing, provided range anxiety is eliminated and there's no time pressure.