Robot sailboats to race across Atlantic

[gi7kmc]

I came across this article on robot controlled yachts that I thought some people might find interesting:
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/09/04/robot_sailboat_atlantic_race/

(edit) just found the organisers web site http://www.microtransat.org/

Jonathan

 

[savageseadog]

Yes, very interesting. Noticed that they hadn't had time to program in the racing rules yet!

 

[whipper_snapper]

Looks like great fun. I would love to see them underway.

(Have you noticed that the rule:

The sailboat must be energetically autonomous, carrying on board any required batteries and electricity generating equipment.


Means they can't use wind or solar energy!)

 

[johnalison]

Won't they have to carry someone to keep watch to comply with Colregs?

 

[Rabbie]

Yes, the one on the right.

 

[stevebrassett]

[ QUOTE ]
(Have you noticed that the rule:

The sailboat must be energetically autonomous, carrying on board any required batteries and electricity generating equipment.


Means they can't use wind or solar energy!)

[/ QUOTE ]
Surely it means they can't have a cable to the chase boat? Surely a wind or solar generator is allowed, if it is carried on board.

 

[jonathankent]

I imagine "electricity generating equipment" would include wind generators and solar panels

 

[Gunfleet]

wouldn't it be safer to start with a robot round the island and build up robot offshore miles first? Then there could be a robot fastnet and a robot AZAB. Will Ponte Delgado be full of robot boats in October, waiting for the window?

 

[whipper_snapper]

I am sure that's what they mean, but its not what they say!


As it is they can't even use the wind for propulsion which I am pretty sure is not intended!!


Sorry, just being pedantic again.