Tûranor PlanetSolar, the world’s largest solar boat, set a new record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a vessel powered entirely by solar energy, smashing its own 2010 record by four days. The boat left Las Palmas, Spain, on April 25 and arrived in Marigot, St. Martin, on May 18, averaging 5.3 knots for the 2,867mile trip. The 115-foot Swiss catamaran conducted experiments along the Gulf Stream as part of the PlanetSolar DeepWater Expedition. The boat visited Miami—its first U.S. stop—on June 2. For more on the boat and the expedition, go to www.planetsolar.org. Photo courtesy PlanetSolar DeepWater Expedition. Time, was nearby on the beach. A rope was tied around Rydberg’s waist, presumably because he was sailing solo. Rydberg lived on his boat off Fleming Key near Key West. He reportedly had left Key West in early May and sailed to Fort Myers. Rydberg called his sister on May 13 and told her he was on his way back and would be in Key West May 14 or 15. The Coast Guard reported that Rydberg’s EPIRB went off at 4:13 a.m. on May 14 about 30 miles north of Key West. The body and the boat were found two weeks later in Cuba. The Coast Guard said the case was closed and all future questions should be directed to the State Department. The Keys News reported the State Department was first waiting for formal identification of the body. No other news on the incident was reported by press time, but many are hoping to learn more about the boat and if there is any evidence, including possible GPS information on the boat, indicating what happened.
Laser Designer Sues for Past-Due Royalties Information for this article was taken from TradeOnlyToday.com Laser designer Bruce Kirby, 84, recently filed a lawsuit seeking past-due royalties, claiming he has not been paid since around January 2011, more than $200,000, by Laser Performance, the American and European builder of the Laser. Kirby says he terminated the company’s right to build the Laser, yet the International Laser Class Association and the International Sailing Federation continue to issue official class plaques bearing his trademark—even though these 16
July 2013
SOUTHWINDS
www.southwindsmagazine.com