Power of Solar Energy Revealed by the “Ship of Imagination” and its 100% Solar Powered Passage around the “Sunshine” State
On Tuesday, January 14, the world’s largest solar-powered concrete boat set ‘sail’ from the Conch Republic Dock in Key West continuing on its historic voyage to circumnavigate the entire intracoastal waterway of Florida powered exclusively by the sun. The Cruise Aid for a Sustainable Florida is a grassroots effort to raise public awareness about important energy issues in the Sunshine State as well as demonstrate the feasibility of solar power to provide almost all the every we consume in our daily lives. Consider the Archimedes was converted from fossil-fueled to solar-driven for under $ 10,000, and you can really appreciate how far this technology has come in recent years. Captain Quillen and Kim Ross, the president of ReThink Energy Florida, spoke to the public and press at 11:30 A.M. just before the farewell to the captain and crew.
“We are very excited at the launching of ReThink Energy Florida’s Partner at Sea, the seaworthy embodiment of our mission to engage, educate, and empower citizens to take action and achieve energy independence in a healthier, more sustainable environment. We’ve been working closely with Captain Carter and his first mate Diane to support them in their voyage while they promote our organization’s principles, and we look forward to a fruitful partnership as they make their way up Florida’s beautiful East Coast!” says Kim Ross, president of ReThink Energy Florida.
The ship and its captain, Carter Quillen, will be stopping at various ports along Florida’s cost to promote our mission to educate the public about solar energy through a series of renewable energy workshops sponsored by ReThink Energy Florida. Workshops will include opportunities for Floridians to build their own solar-powered cell phone and laptop chargers as well as learn about the latest in solar technology development. The voyage graphically demonstrates the potential for solar power to sustainably meet the energy needs of Florida.