Wind Wanderer

Wind Wanderer is created as the core component for a unique educational platform, transforming the age-old romance of a message in a bottle into a sophisticated tool for modern learning. This ocean-crossing vessel serves as a conduit from classroom to the deep sea, a realm that remains largely uncharted and lightly touched by human presence. It is an opportunity for students to be immersed in a world they would not otherwise have the means to explore.

Measuring just under 4 feet (105 cm) in length, the Wind Wanderer is designed to embark on journeys across the ocean, guided solely by the prevailing winds and currents. Its progress can be followed in real-time via a satellite tracking, accessible through our online dashboard. Wind Wanderer is distinct from our other models in the fact it is not remotely controlled, instead it follows a downwind course, guided by the prevailing winds.

 We have curated accompanying curriculum that encapsulates principles of geography, oceanography, robotics, and physics, providing students with tangible context for their studies. The process of preparing for the vessel’s launch, coupled with the anticipation of its journey and ultimate discovery, transforms abstract concepts into a captivating adventure.  A small cargo bay can be filled with gifts and keepsakes.  When the boat is close to reaching its destination, local schools can be contacted to retrieve the boat from the water providing a cultural connection with students a world away. 

To enhance its role as a floating classroom, the Wind Wanderer can be equipped with additional sensors to collect environmental data, such as water and air temperatures, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, and wave height.  We have two sensor packages available.

While the boat was primarily designed as a classroom educational tool, it can also be used as a research data buoy with the sail serving as an effective means of propelling the boat away from shore, negating the need to launch from a ship. 

Normally, the boat will sail straight downwind, and is balanced in this configuration, without requiring a rudder.  A unique and proprietary feature of this vessel, however, is to configure the sail to propel the boat at a 90 degree angle to the wind for a pre-determined length of time. This is useful for launching the vessel from areas where the wind blows parallel or towards shore.  Once the boat is safely offshore, the sail configuration changes, and it will start steering straight downwind.  An alternative option, suitable for research purposes, is to have the sail drop into the water, turning into a drogue.  This slows the boat down, making it an ideal platform for gathering metocean data.

Please note, the sail shown in the images is from our early testing prototype.  We will update the photos with the more robust sail setup shortly.

This boat requires the Wind Wanderer Software Package for the dashboard and tracking.  Two data-logging sensor packages are also available

Store opening October 01, 2024.  For inquiries, please contact us here.