Sunbeam

When I found out that the Mini Globe Race was set to begin in Lagos, I knew I had to be there. I was fortunate that a fellow sailor I had met in Sines was at the Lagos Marina and could grant me access to the pontoons to see the sailboats up close.

Engaging in conversations with experienced sailors and exploring the methods they employ on their vessels is always a valuable learning experience. It's not often that we have the opportunity to speak with sailors from across the globe, especially those preparing to navigate ariund the world in a 5.80 boat that they've constructed themselves.

At that time I was preparing Noah to be more selsuficient, to be able to stay longer in anchorages withou having to return to a marina for power charging.

I already learned that my fresh water tank was enough for a full week if I shower with sea water and only rinse with a smal amount of fresh onwater. I had alrady bought a small Lithium battery but even with my reduced consuption, basicly only a anchor light light and the fridge I run out of power in a couple of days, so I was therefore interested in seeing how these experienced guys managed to stay out there for such a long time with power.

It was my first ecounter with SUNBEAMsystem solar panels

I had the chance to talk with John Blenkinsop's ALMA CG580 hull No. 100 about this, he had two small 50W pannels and acoording to him more than enought to his needs and to top up his batterie relatively quicly. If this is good for this guys it will be enough for me to, I have a refrigerator, and they don't, but it doesn't have to run constantly. In addition, I have more space in Noah for more panels, They will surely be a good fit for me If they decide to use these Sunbeam panels in such a demanding environment for such a long time, They will surely be a good choice for me.

NoW in Belle I have even more space and I kept the same frugal attitude in therms of energie needs So They will work even beter in Belle.

They may cost a little more than other solar panels, but since they are specifically made to withstand ocean crossings and we won't require a solar arch, they are ultimately a better investment than rigid panels and a hudge and expensive stainless structure on Belle Aft.

I'm currently working on my solar aray on the roof of my Belle coach. I'll be writing a specific blog post on Tamatata's blog soon that includes information about the installation. I’m sure it will be helpful to other sailors out there.