The first "Green Expedition" in Russia on a sailing trimaran set off from Khanty-Mansiysk. The goal of its initial stage is St. Petersburg. The route is laid along the Arctic coast of Russia. A unique feature of the project, which is supported by the Tomsk Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society, is that the “Rikki Tor” vessel will move exclusively using green energy.
“We like to travel using sails and do not like using the engine. However, it is almost impossible to do without it. Therefore, we decided to use a 3 kW electric motor that runs on modern lithium batteries, like a Tesla electric car. Tests have shown that in economy mode (300 W), the trimaran develops a speed of 5 km/h, and at maximum power – 10 km/h. Getting electricity in the Artic is quite a challenge. Solar panels and a wind generator will be used for these purposes," said Ildar Mukharashev, one of the participants of the voyage, a member of the Russian Geographical Society.
Ildar’s – and the second crew member’s, Taras Gospodinko’s – main task is to eliminate all potential risks as much as possible. To do this, the travelers carefully tested their vessel and purchased reliable equipment for it in different parts of Russia and other countries of the world.
Water trials of the sailing vessel began last year. The body of the trimaran of the “Green Expedition” consists of plywood, fiberglass, and epoxy resin. The crew noted its significant advantages over other possible options. The trimaran is fast, light, and functional.
The unique journey will not end in St. Petersburg. The voyage will be only the first part of a long route.
“The data based on the results of our expedition will be useful to many yachtsmen. We will conduct applied research in the field of solar energy and wind energy generation in expedition conditions over a large range of northern latitudes. You won't find real data about this on the Internet," Ildar Mukharashev stressed.
In addition to sports and scientific goals, the expedition also faces socially significant tasks. The crew intends to collect materials and conduct an online lesson on the Arctic and ecology for schoolchildren in Russia and other countries as part of the project of the Tomsk Branch of the Russian Geographical Society "Lessons from the Ocean". There are also plans to create a film about ecology in the broad sense of the word: about the relationship between man and nature, the relationship between people, mutually beneficial partnership in business, "honest conversation" between different countries and peoples.
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“I am still very impressed by the new vessel: the travelers have thought everything through so much that there are no questions left at all. The Tomsk Branch will always be in touch, will help the expedition. Fair wind and following seas!” wished the crew Yulia Kalyuzhnaya, executive director of the Tomsk Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society, who was seeing the trimaran off on the long voyage.
More information about the start of the expedition and the first difficulties can be found on the website of the Tomsk Regional Branch of the RGS.