John Ericsson Society, New York hails the first Ocean crossing of a solar boat
“The time is ripe for the broad use of solar technology in navigation." This was demonstrated by the journey of the solar boat "sun21" from Basel to Chipiona, Spain to New York, which thereby became the first entirely solar-powered boat to cross the Atlantic. This historic event was especially significant for the John Ericsson Society, New York.
From time to time an inventor comes along who transforms an entire industry, forever changing its principal product and stimulating the development of technology. Such a man was Captain John Ericsson. His inventions, notably incorporated in the Civil War battleship USS Monitor, marked a turning point in shipbuilding and transformed the maritime industry. He spent the last thirty years of his life in research on solar energy and the design of solar engines. An engineer and inventor of the 19th century, his research and innovations in solar energy are relevant to 21st century issues.
The Welcome Ceremonies for sun21 were held at North Cove Marina in Manhattan on May 8, 2007 at 3:00PM. The marina is within walking distance of both the site of John Ericsson's home in 36 Beach Street on the roof of which he constructed an observatory for his solar energy research; and also of Battery Park in which stands his memorial statue.
It was a warm day, bright and breezy. After the formal speeches of welcome, brief remarks about daily life and research aboard by the crew, and a musical interlude by a string quartet that included two crew members, the crew conversed informally with the guests and welcomed small groups aboard the deck of sun21.
Members of John Ericsson Society, New York were present - Inez and Leif Brisfjord, Olov Johannesson, Janice and George Weinmann. The Society presented to the crew a Swedish ship's flag and copies of a commemorative brochure especially designed for the occasion.
Solar Engine. Design, John Ericsson
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