NEWS
CHURCHILL FELLOWSHIP TO DEEP DIVE INTO WIND POWERED SHIPPING INNOVATION
18 September 2024
Go Sail Cargo supporter Andrew Dickson has just been awarded a Richard Rischbieth Churchill Fellowship to do a deep dive into wind propulsion technologies and business models, to see how they can be applied in Australia, our region and beyond.
For details click to see:Churchill Trust — Andrew Dickson
Andrew's Fellowship will take him to Europe and the Pacific Islands in mid 2025, to meet with leading innovators in wind powered shipping over a 5 week journey.
We wish Andrew all the best for his Fellowship, and we look forward to applying the lessons learned to help re-establish wind powered shipping in local waters.
Email —info@gosailcargo.com
SMALL WINDSHIPS PUBLICATION 2024
11 September 2024
We are very pleased to share the Small Windships Publication 2024(link), created by the The International Windship Association, edited by Geoffery Boerne and Steven Woods.
“We have to imagine some other world is possible if we are going to make a change. Lack of imagination is just as dangerous to a sustainable future as fossil fuels and a religious devotion to Economics (Trust the theologians on this: It’s a cult not a science). So, keep imagining a better future, grab a pen or halyard, and we can make the future you’re thinking of come true. If we put our hearts, hands, and heads into this, we can make a big difference for the better, and enjoy the wind in our faces while we do. Sail freight may not be the only answer to all our problems, but it is part of the bigger picture of what a Sustainable and Just future looks like” (Steven Woods page 40).
The IWSA has consistently supported all of us in the rapidly growing sail freight community and we are deeply appreciative.
We are pleased to be able to note Go Sail Cargo references, especially on pages:
— 34-35 The EC100-8 an evolution story.
— 51 The updated EC 75
— 56 A whimsical essay
— 61 Our preferred Australian shipyard
As part of our ongoing progress towards fleets of ocean going ships in this important sector, Go Sail Cargo is working on a new business entity. The operation will be co-operative in nature with the aim of unlimited global expansion.
Email Derek —info@gosailcargo.com
NEW SCHOONER!
8 April 2024
We never stop researching, observing and reacting so this post reflects ongoing developments and design concepts.
It’s a new schooner!
TheEC 132-8 sits neatly between the updated 100 and the 180. Larger and more powerful than the 100 and inspired mostly by American (arguably the home of the schooner) feedback. The new sailing ship also reflects a growing need for flexible, high-quality accommodation and a versatile, zero-carbon vessel for film and research charter.
There’s also a new drawing of the updated EC 74 along with some basic passenger pod layouts and by request, revised accommodation layouts for all new boats.
Email us —info@gosailcargo.com
READ ALL ABOUT IT!
1 March 2024
March 2024 marks a milestone as it was six years ago that I began to devote serious time to Go Sail Cargo. All delays are a blessing in disguise as we have been able to refine and develop our range of new vessels. What’s more the accelerating pace of technology has strengthened our business case, hardened our resolve and the right people are now on the gangplank.
The time for serious global solutions was yesterday and the time for green media magnets is at hand so we announce our intention to enter a new zero emission sailing cargo ship – with cargo – in the Sydney/Hobart. Everything sponsorable is on the table for ambitious artisans, paying passengers, hungry lawyers or desperate bands.
Think of the kudos!
Think of the global publicity!
Think of the once in a lifetime opportunity!
A new era begins, and all for the price of a new set of sails for the good ship Law Connect!
Email me —derek@scruffie.com
STORNAWAY GETS A FACELIFT!
17 January 2024
The Stornaway 24-28 is upgraded —now 25-29 — a little larger with more sail area and greater cargo/passenger capacity. Plus extra ballast lower down in the keel and it all add up to self-righting and greater sail capacity so the new version ticks a lot of boxes. It’s a boat that has evolved over a few years. I first saw her as a mini cargo/passenger/tourist boat and an obvious application was as a new whaler – a reincarnation of the ship’s boat for transferring provisions and people from shore to ship. There’s a transom sterned version shown on theEC 180-36 drawings.
The boat grew in the drawings so there’s now a gaff cutter, A solar powered fantail (a rounded counter stern) launch and a full 4-berth cruiser. I intend to build them all to survey for sail training, all sorts of greenwash-free tourist operations and sustainable adventuring. By way of comparison, Captain Bligh sailed nearly 4,000 nautical miles across the Pacific in a smaller, heavier and much slower whaler. As you would expect after two hundred and thirty years, the Stornaway is light years ahead on all counts. So, if ever there’s a mutiny on the schooner. . .
✲ DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS HERE
Introducing the new EC-100-8
An 8 container version of the Electric Clipper 100
25 June 2023
The enlarged cargo bays necessitated a complete redesign of the accommodation layout but the small increases in beam and length have enabled the crew and passenger facilities to be improved.
Other upgrades include electric rim drive pods, externally mounted dagger boards, increased sail area with solar on the mainsail and mizzen, improved sail stowage, longer gaff crane, deleting the mizzen derrick and the now unbroken sheerline.
The first hand-drawn rendering will shortly be supplemented by the digitised hull lines of the original EC 100 and the new accommodation layouts.
We hope this new zero emission cargo ship will meet your expectations, and we welcome your feedback — emailderek@scruffie.com
UPDATE JUNE 2023
15 June 2023
Over five years in development, our range of zero emission vessels have continuously evolved and undergone numerous design upgrades, making full use of ongoing marine advances. We are at a stage now where the basic designs are sound and all elements can be easily updated if appropriate. It has been well worth the wait as the technological improvements have dramatically improved the efficiency of the ship, the potential profitability and the ecological footprint.
The EC 100 in its revised form, is the most advanced of our ships and the one generating most interest, so it will be the first to undergo full digital optimisation, engineering and compliance work with our marine architects prior to shipyard readiness. We will then be able to offer study plans, revised specifications, build options and prices.
In its evolution, the ship has grown in size with greater sail area and features an optional 8 container capacity. The dagger boards are now fitted outboard and we are favouring twin electric propulsion rim drive pods. Solar panels on the sails are now a viable proposition and advances in recycled materials, green steel, 3D printing and much more combine to make a good boat a world class sailing cargo ship.
We ask all who are interested in our maritime solutions to bear with us as we refine the numerous and complex aspects of carbon-neutral shipping. We thank you for your support and patience, and as ever we are available via email derek@scruffie.com
MARCH 2023
22 March 2023
Unlike so many businesses today, we prefer to restrict our news post to items of real interest for our followers. Progress at Go Sail Cargo and our original marine business Scruffie Marine, has been steady despite a raft of covid related setbacks, and international enquiries continue to increase. Potential carbon-neutral shippers, from Pacific Nations to a French organic wine broker, are getting serious, an Asian shipyard is looking at possibilities and negotiations are underway for the sale of Scruffie Marine to American interests. Sadly, nothing much from Australia but a welcome endorsement from one of the UK’s most influential yachtsmen, Pete Goss MBE. Here it is.
"Monet’s paintings offer a window into a past where windmills ground our corn and pumped water to reclaim much of the Netherlands as we know it. Sails carried cargo across the oceans and even populated Australia. These echo’s from the past are coming back as we reinvigorate our recognition of this abundant clean and free energy. Just as wind mills have morphed into the wind turbines that grace our lands so will we start to see innovative sailing ships elbow their way into the territory of modern day shipping. It's time to stop polluting the wind and to start harnessing it. Go Sail Cargo offer a menu of versatile emission free ships that incorporate existing technologies to achieve sustainable marine transport. Having looked at their motives and studied their designs I like the cut of their Jib."
Another step forward is my new cargo ship, The Trader 50, designed for multiple use but mainly to fill a gap between the Secret Trader40 model and the EC – 74. The 40 was originally developed for the USA as a sensible response to their Jones Act restrictions, but the 50 is a better way to move a container. Clearly more spacious, there’s a decent deckhouse, two mini cabins for the crew and up forward, separate accommodation for two passengers. The extra length equates to better seakeeping, more speed and there’s extra cargo space each side above the ballast tanks. Full specifications coming soon, but meanwhile here are the pen drawings, the final step before I hand them over for digitisation and optimisation. Note the Lute Stern!
✲ FULL SET OF DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS HERE
TWO BLOG POSTS
27 July 2022
Two recent posts by Derek Ellard on the Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport (MCST) Blog
CLICK HERE: Shipping solutions – a call to arms
CLICK HERE: Go Sail Cargo – The new Corporate Entity and its potential
SEPTEMBER 2021
September 2021
After many months of development Go Sail Cargo is pleased to announce no less than four new models – 2 new schooners, one with a maximum capacity of 36 TEUs, a new single container sloop and a new ship’s boat, a whaler for the 21st century. While the hull lines, sailplans and general arrangement details are decided, work on the drawings and detailed specifications is still ongoing. Meanwhile here are some outline specs and some of my scale sketches.
The Clipper 180-24 and Clipper 180-36
Acting on the advice and informed feedback from shipping expert Sven De Wachter, both ships feature increased cargo capacity yet still share many details such as sailplans. Building on the earlier C160, the new steel-hulled gaff-rigged schooners now have cargo capacities of up to 36 TEUs.
The C180-24 will take 24 TEUs plus 120 pallets, 1260 cubic metres, up to 650 tonnes. The 180-24 will be available as a cargo only version or with reduced pallet capacity, 12 passengers in well-appointed cabin suites.
The C180-36 will take 36 TEUs, 1,400 cubic metres, up to 850 tonnes. This ship has a beamier hull and larger electric engines. Accommodation for 12 passengers is standard. Crew levels are the same for both versions at a minimum of 6 with berths for 12.
The Secret Trader 40
This boat was designed to dovetail in between the Secret 33 and the Clipper 74 and will carry a single container or 34 cubic metres. A maximum load of 12 tonnes for coastal or river operations. The rig is a loose footed gaff yawl with a lowering mast and a crew of 2.
The Stornaway 24
Designed with several functions this boat will be produced in new-generation fibreglass with two hull options, the fantail or transom, both from the same moulds.
— Ship’s boat for the schooner and new square riggers with a lugsail sloop rig and the potential to be a designated lifeboat, capacity 12. Transom stern model. Outdoor education and adventure use.
— All electric fantail launch with a solar array on a fixed canopy roof, capacity 12. Tourism or private use.
— Gaff cutter, fantail stern, tourism under sail or 4 berth cutter.
CLIPPER 64 BECOMES CLIPPER 74
February 2021
After extensive design work, the Clipper 64 has evolved and is now the Clipper 74.
Renderings of the new hull will be available on the website shortly.
THREE NEW MODELS
October 2020
The all new Clipper 160
The Clipper is a 50-metre 3-masted gaff schooner with a capacity of 16 TEUS.
Built in steel and aluminium, the new schooner follows the same principles established by the Clipper 100 and the Clipper 64. The new ship has a crew of 10 plus 12 passengers, a sail area of 814 square metres and twin electric auxiliary motors.
All major concept and design work is complete. Details soon.
The all new E-Cat 50
This vessel is a 15-metre sailing cargo catamaran or solar-electric tourist or ferry boat.
The hulls are specially developed low-drag fibreglass modules with custom aluminium decks and superstructure. The vessel has a cargo capacity of 15 pallets plus 8 passengers or 80 plus passengers as a ferry. The new cat has a solar input of 13kW and is a zero emission, zero pollution boat, designed to be entirely self-sufficient, low maintenance and able to be beached with front end loading.
Designed with inter-island Pacific trade in mind, the new cat will be available as a kit shipped out in prefabricated components for local assembly. Drawings and full specifications available soon.
The Clipper 100 MKIII
This boat has been developed and enlarged after extensive consultation. The boat is an evolution of the original with an increase of cargo capacity to 4 X standard TEUS plus 24 pallets or 100 pallets. There is increased accommodation, a lightering pontoon, increased deck space and a safer, more efficient cargo handling system. Link: Clipper 100.
For more information contact Derek Ellard derek@scruffie.com
GREEN POWER FOR BLUE SEAS