Wave-powered craft 'a test of patience'

Kenichi Horie, the Japanese adventurer who is attempting to cross the Pacific in a wave-powered boat, is having a slow time of it, as headwinds slow his progress and the temperature inside his catamaran soars.

Horie’s latest log entry reads, “The wind is shaking all around. This is a test of patience.
Since the cabin was made with few windows, wind coming from the south can’t pass through. Temperature inside is 36°Celsius, this is hot and terrible.”

The boat has slowed to only 1.3knots – but Horie remains philosophical. “I filled the bucket with seawater and plunge my feet. This is refreshing” he says.


Photo: The wave-powered catamaran at its launch.