For many years now, I have wanted to build a boat to sail all over the world and use for conservation. After much evolving and completely restarting the design process, I have come up with this. It is an 80 foot proa, the largest sailing proa in the world. The entire deck is covered in solar cells to generate electricity for the ships electric engines and other electronics. But that is the simple part. when there is no wind, or I need to go fast upwind, the 40 foot ama will fold under the leepod, the sail will come down, and suddenly you have a powerboat. This is all conceptual of course, and the design is destined for modification. And don’t expect to see this on the water for at least another 15 years.
(and the picture file is too big so i have a link to Flickr instead.)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/executivebanana/8075221439/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/executivebanana/8075217562/in/photostream/

Timothy’s proa seems a good away to go with this idea - long and super slim. Less power then needed to push the form through the water.
Unfortunately electric propulsion isn’t there yet - mainly due to battery size and weight needed for bigger/heavier boats.
The last solar circumnavigator was rubbish and only proved it is possible but nothing else. Sail combo a must.
Why fold the ama for motoring?

I decided to fold the ama for a few reasons. mainly for improved steering under motor and for easier docking. it also gives it that unique spunk that I like in boats.

and it isnt just motoring in and out of port, this will be a real powersailer