Wave Powered Boat Makes It from Japan to Hawaii

Back in February we talked about the Suntory Mermaid II – a boat that encapsulates a pretty “duh” idea of powering a boat with waves. Well, creator Ken-ichi Horie and the boat have completed their goal journey of getting from Japan to Hawaii – a distance of 4,350 miles. It took nearly four months of going and average of 1.5 knots, but they made it. And set an I-Did-It-First record in the process.

The Suntory mermaid II uses the most advanced wave-power technology, with extra electricity coming from solar panels to run navigation lights. Since it is the most advanced, by virtue of being the only, it’s a great starting point for future wave-powered boats that go – I should hope – a little faster. Horie says the problem to be solved is how to keep the boat's speed up when the waves are weak.

Maybe one day we’ll see a race between the Suntory Mermaid II and the Earthrace…and maybe an old-fashioned wind-powered sailboat thrown in for good measure.