nordinbotswana

Pre Expedition Newspaper Write up

The rivers are high this year, and so many people are pulling the dust sheets of
boats not used for many a month. The regular river goers are all talking about the
height of the flood, and the speed with which it arrived.

Some of the more adventurous are planning Trans Okavango trips, and the
logistics that go with it. Tents, food, drinks, and fuel. The expenses soon rack up.
A few brave souls have elected to use manpower, and kayak their way. It’s
certainly environmentally friendly, and exhausting.

But there is a new breed of adventure goers...
(Mark Nordin & his son Aidan Nordin, Mark Rodwell & his sister Sue Adams &
Riaan Van Zyl)
...ones that don’t want to use fuel,
but also want to have a relaxing trip, without the need to paddle.
How can this be done?
A new type of boat is being built in Maun with a low drag and low displacement
hull. Kitted out with photo voltaic panels, batteries, electric motor and
sophisticated power management system. It provides the ideal quiet and
environmentally friendly alternative.

Powered by the 1800W solar array, the 2 KW motor will ‘propel’ the boat with
200lbs of thrust, and assisted by the current, gives the boat an elegant 12kmph
cruising speed.

The trips celebrates the launch of Maun branch of *Alternative Power Systems
Africa and aims to highlight the use of solar power, and its different applications.

The voyage is planned for early to mid August.

Solar Boat Trans Okavango

Building the Solar Sloop...

Test Run on The Boro...

WE DID IT!!!!!!!!

The first ever Trans Delta solar crossing
5 people - 8 days - 440km

* Fossil fuel used : 0.00 litres
* Carbon footprint : ZERO!!!
* Sun power used : 68KW hours

Many thanks to the following people, who without their
enthusiasm and valuable;e input this achievement would
not have been possible:-

Grant Huskisson -
Fabrication, Design Input

Power Serv -
Hull design advice & materials supplier

Jacques Conradie River Safaris -
Logistic support en route planning & advice

Tenesol -
Supplier of the Photo voltaic panels

Outback -
Manufacturer of the Electronic Power Management Systems

Ngami Times -
Media support

Jamie Briggs -
Liquid Deals/ Alternative Power Systems Africa, our new
manager for his endless hours of enthusiasm and excellent
cuisine!

Proof yet again that solar (Photovoltaic) power does work if
designed and installed correctly.

For more information or for any of your SOLAR needs
(photovoltaic and or direct heating) CONTACT:-

Jamie
00267-6860663