In 2020, on the 400th anniversary of the original Mayflower journey to North America, the Mayflower Autonomous Ship (MAS) will recreate history as it embarks on a journey from Plymouth UK to Plymouth, MA.
The MAS is a 100ft long trimaran (multihull boat with a main hull and two smaller outrigger hulls) and a first of its kind solar and wind powered drone. It will run solely on renewable energy while also deploying more drones to conduct experiments during its journey.
The project was launched by Plymouth University in Great Britain, who started a crowdfunding campaign that exceeded all expectations. The university has also partnered with MSubs and Shuttleworth Design (yaht designers) to make the project a reality.
“MAS has the potential to be a genuine world-first, and will operate as a research platform, conducting numerous scientific experiments during the course of its voyage,” said Professor Kevin Jones, executive dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University. “It will be a test bed for new navigation software and alternative forms of power, incorporating huge advancements in solar, wave and sail technology. As the eyes of the world follow its progress, it will provide a live educational resource to students a chance to watch, and maybe participate in history in the making.”
Click here to learn more about this incredible project.