One of the questions that occasionally pops into my head when I think of designs is to look at areas where ships are the main form of transportation, but are not the first place you would think of. The Amazon river with its tributaries is one of these. Being Colombian, I do think about this huge river, which is often described as the Sea River. It is the longest, or the second longest river in the world, (depending on who you ask). It is the widest, In some sections the river is so wide that you cannot see the other shore.
It is a river that crosses the continent from West to East, and is navigable by large ships all the way to Iquitos in Peru. I wondered whether designing a solar/wind powered vessel might make sense, because the river is on the equator. The sun, even when partially obscured by cloud cover, is available all year round for the same duration each day. But the wind? Well, it seems that the wind can be variable, but at times it really is there. I think a vessel like this one, could be built and could operate on these rivers. A solar/Wind powered ship to ferry people and goods would be logical, as there would be less need for fuel (it might require an emergency diesel generator). Built of renewable materials and being much more sustainable in terms of fuel would surely make sense? I also think that many people would find a trip on one of these, essentially humble ferry vessels somewhat romantic.
The figures I have calculated for this vessel would also mean that on average it would be faster than the current slow ships which typically travel at 8 knots. The Rio Caquetá schooner would travel at 10-12 knots under solar power, but up to 18+ knots with the early evening winds that are apparently common at dusk.
This vessel has been designed to carry some 50 passengers, and 14 crew/staff. Most would sleep in the typical hammocks that are the bed of choice in the area.
I think that the Wharram wing sail rig would work well here, which looks like a Gaff rig, but has no boom and is a wing which makes it efficient, but also simple to operate, and does not require the stays and tensioners (shrouds) associated with a Bermuda Rig.
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