America's Cup - Harnessing the Wind with High Tech

The world of competitive sailing is embracing the need to use energy more efficiently. One look at the revolutionary yacht designs in this year's America's Cup match racing event will convince you of that:

And it's not just the giant yachts. Have a look at Bladerider Moth competition:

These sailing dinghies use horizontal, ultra-light, carbon fibre foils to lift the boat out of the water in as little as 5 knots of breeze, allowing the boat to travel at nearly twice the apparent wind speed. They can reach speeds of close to 30 knots (60 kmh) downwind.

It's more than just the need for speed driving innovation in the sailing world. Check out the Eco 60 class of the Velux 5 Oceans around-the-world solo race:

The Eco 60 class will also be governed by regulations designed to promote ideas to improve the ecological and environmental impact of such events on the planet. These very specific rules, to be published in the coming months, will seek to limit fossil fuel consumption and encourage wind and solar power, taking a message of sustainable living around the world.

Watch the America's Cup live feed.

Making the Best of Available Energy vs. Making More Energy

The world of yachting illustrates the difference clearly. Just look at the BMW Oracle entry in this year's America's Cup. Boat speed has always been a critical factor in yacht racing, but this year's event takes the need for speed to new levels.

Wind Turbines - Looking Backwards to Move Forwards

Sometimes you have to look at where you've been to figure out where you're going.

It's no coincidence that windmills look like airplane propellers. What would wind power look like if we started thinking about jet planes instead of propeller-driven aircraft?

Something like this. FloDesign's wind turbine technology takes its inspiration from jet engines.

Can We Count on Wind Power 100%?

Alternative Energy has an interesting piece on a Danish project to test the viability of 100% dependence on wind power. It turns out the answer is a resounding "yes and no."

The article's author says that a small Danish island in the North Sea is a perfect place to test the hypothesis, because "the wind literally never stops blowing ."

Well, no. As a Great Lakes sailor, I know how fickle the wind can be when you're not in the Roaring Forties or the North Sea. Of course you can count on wind power if you live in a wind tunnel. The real test would lie in maximizing the use of wind power in an inland environment where the wind varies from zero to 50 km/h.