The sun21 crew at the press conference after their arrival in New York (Beat von Scarpatetti, David Senn, Michel Thonney, Martin Vosseler, Mark Wüst, from the left)
Arrival in New York City
The mayor of Miami, Manuel A. Diaz, presents the crew the Keys to the City of Miami.
Arrival at Martinique.
The sun21 heading to Martinique.
On the way to the Canary Islands.
Due to a storm the sun21 sought refuge in the harbour of Casablanca (Morocco).
transatlantic21 requires considerable logistics and a great deal of time. It is a non-profit project and not without risks. In other words, it cannot be realized without the assistance of many idealists. The names and motivations of those individuals who have committed themselves to transatlantic21 can be found here.

The crew

 

Mark Wüst

Marc Wüst, shipbuilder and manager of MW-Line

 

It was his idea to cross the Atlantic. He is constructing "sun21" with his team and will captain the boat from Basel to Miami.

"My goal is to see through the development of solar boats from the experimental phase to commercial exploitation. transatlantic21 is, so far, the biggest step on this route."

www.mwline.ch

Statement on the occasion of the boat's christening (16.10.2006) 52 KB
Mark Wüst on the "sun21" (portrait in print quality)
Short biography 48 KB

Michel Thonney

Michel Thonney, skipper and author

 

An experienced ocean sailor he is responsible for navigation (boat and crew). He will guide "sun21" together with M. Wüst as far as Miami and then alone on to New York.

"I spend many weeks each year on my yacht in the Caribbean hoping for good winds. But on "sun21", I'll be wanting lulls and plenty of sun. I'm looking forward to it!"
Statement on the occasion of the boat's christening (16.10.2007) 55 KB
Michel Thonney on the "sun21" (portrait in print quality)
Short biography 44 KB
New Book Release: Transatlantic21 Solar Boat Challenge

Martin Vosseler

Dr. Martin Vosseler, physician and pioneer for the protection of the environment. Initiator of the energy forum sun21.

 

He established the necessary contacts for the realization of the project and is President of the association transatlantic21. He will be a member of the crew from Basel to New York.

"See the sun — sea and sun: a recipe for the future!"

www.sun21.ch

Statement on the occasion of the boat's christening (16.19.2007) 54 KB
Martin Vosseler on the "sun21" (portrait in print quality)
Short biography 43 KB

Beat von Scarpatetti

Dr. Beat von Scarpatetti, historian, university lecturer and President of the "Club of the Carfree"

 

He was looking for an environmentally friendly way to reach America. He is a member of the association transatlantic21 and is responsible for the cultural aspects of the project. He will be a member of the crew from Basel to New York.

www.clubderautofreien.ch

Statement on the occasion of the boat's christening (16.10.2007) 48 KB
Beat von Scarpatetti on the "sun21" (portrait in print quality)
Short biography 46 KB

David G. Senn

Prof. David G. Senn, Professor of Zoology and Ocean Biology at the University of Basel

 

He will use "sun21" for biological studies, and plans to analyze the plankton right across the Atlantic. He will be a member of the crew from Seville to the Caribbean.


"The objective will be to watch the phenomena of life in the "wave range" between the hydrosphere and atmosphere. I expect to see whales, flying fish, storm birds and, of course, a species-rich population of plankton in the light-abundant surface layers of the water. On "sun21" I shall be able to live out my passion for ocean biology."

www.zoo.unibas.ch/vertebratelab

Statement on the occasion of the boat's christening (16.10.2006) 55 KB
David Senn on the "sun21" (portrait in print quality)
Short biography 50 KB

Management of the project on terra firma

 

Daniela Schlettwein

Dr. Daniela Schlettwein, epidemiologist, President of sun21

 

Her support and networking made the project possible. She is a member of transatlantic21 and has built up the network for the financial realization of the project. She is responsible for making contacts with partner organizations at the different ports of call.

".... isn’t this the most fascinating way to carry our credo for solar energy across the globe?"

www.sun21.ch

Urs Wehrli

Urs Wehrli, biologist, PR adviser

 

He initiated the project with M. Wust and now takes on responsibility for coordination and communication.

"To interest more and more people in renewable sources of energy – this is a goal which the project can reach only with professional public relations. That will be my contribution."