Some frequently asked questions, and John Walker's answers

Q.  The first set of cruising designs/craft produced by Walker Wingsail Systems in the mid-1990's were relatively large, ocean-crossing vessels such as the 13.5m (45ft) Zefyr, with a price to match. What are your product plans, and can you give us an idea of their relative affordability?

A. The first Shadotec design for production is intended to be the variable width, trailable 9m Shadow catamaran, designed to be able to fit into a standard marina berth. This will be priced competitively with similar-sized, high quality folding trimarans, while applying still providing the full 21st century Walker wingsail sailing experience.

This includes, as always, complete single level control by a single person whatever the size of vessel, automatic tacking and gybing, together with electronic governing against overpowering and capsize. There may be a case, once potential customers' reaction to the Phoenix can be gauged, for a productionised version of this simple non folding boat at considerably lower cost than the Shadow. However, Shadotec is fully conscious of the market advantage of being able to fit into a standard marina slip.

The market for big wingsails for commercial ships is also very important. Not only is the pollution from the heavy high sulphur fuel oil burnt in big ships massive and horrible, causing acidification of the sea and the sky as well as adding substantially to our greenhouse problems, but ship owners are not only keen for costs economies now but must at some time or other make plans for the taxation and eventual failure of the oil supply.

Nuclear power must surely be ruled out, because of the terrorist threat in what is likely to be an even more turbulent world than that of today? That leaves wind, and we are confident that forward thinking owners will see the value of substantial fuel cost savings now while at the same time effectively future proofing their businesses.

For the leisure market too there are larger, ocean-crossing Walker wingsail yachts to be built. In all cases, they will be competitively priced for the value they provide. Prospective owners of our products, if they currently sail a cloth and rope craft, can for example say goodbye to those regular and expensive visits to the chandler and the sail maker. Ex-power boaters can happily say goodbye to standing at the fuel dock while their huge diesel tanks are filled at great (and rapidly increasing) cost. And the approval of children and grandchildren, whose future world it is after all your task to shape, is important too.

Q. How soon do you anticipate being able to get into production? When will we be able to physically see and test sail a new technology Walker wingsail craft?

A. The directors hope, depending strongly on the availability of adequate funding, to have the prototype Phoenix in the water by sometime in 2007. We are also close to the quotation stage for the design and construction of a replacement wingsail system for our first-built 45-foot Zefyr, Sea Change. In use in Florida since 1995, she was severely damaged by flying debris during two hurricanes, Rita and Wilma, in September and October 2005. Her owner is eager to again benefit from the advantages of our wingsails, and we hope to be providing him with an updated wingsail system as soon as is humanly possible.

A similar twin wing thruster, only differing in height to provide more thrust for a heavier boat, could be fitted to the “Inventure” the development of our original Blue Nova, whose owners are also in the market for a new rig. A quotation is being prepared.

Much depends on the availability of sufficient capital to step up the level of Shadotec plc's activities on all fronts. Detail design, stress engineering, airflow analysis and performance prediction (using either Computerised Fluid Dynamics or a big wind tunnel), computer control system development, production engineering and mould manufacture will all need to be energetically pursued.

All these cost money, and the accelerated program which Shadotec believes to be justified by the pressing and indeed increasing market opportunities, will need a substantial amount of cash to pay for the pre-profitability investment phase. Once the prototype costs have been worked through the marine industry is a comparatively helpful one, because owners are accustomed to paying up front through deposits and progress payments. But Shadotec plc could definitely use a further injection of capital.

Q. Your wingsail descriptions stress the efficiency, safety, and 21st century technology of Shadotec designs. What about the other advantages of such a different concept?

A. One further advantage is having no need for a “working” cockpit. With no winches, sheets, halyards, travelers etc, and no running or standing rigging either, we can reach a better balance in allocating boat length between our cabins and our outdoor relaxing areas, allowing plenty of room for enjoying the fresh air on deck with additional inside room as well. Sunbathing on a Walker wingsail deck, completely free from the typical clutter of marine hardware, is a simple pleasure, much appreciated.

Q. How can we get involved in the development of Shadotec plc?

A. Use the contact button to email us. Let us know if your interest is in writing about Shadotec plc, investment, buying a boat, providing a service or joining the team, and we'll get back in touch right away.