Soaring Efficiency: The LibertyKite 40m² Advantage
Chapter 1: Harnessing the Wind for Your Yacht
For yacht owners seeking to enhance efficiency and embrace sustainable propulsion, the LibertyKite 40m² offers a groundbreaking solution, adaptable to yachts in the SteelX lineup. Developed by Beyond the Sea, the LibertyKite is a self-stable traction kite designed for pleasure boats, small-scale fishing, and offshore racing, making it an ideal fit for small explorer vessels. Available in sizes ranging from 10 m² to 80 m², the 40 m² version is recommended for yachts over 9 meters with moderate displacement, perfectly suiting the SteelX range.
Unlike more complex systems like the SeaKite, the LibertyKite prioritizes simplicity, featuring a manual deployment system with an optional Launch Control for larger sizes like the 40 m². Constructed for safety and eco-friendly propulsion, it can even serve as a backup in emergencies, such as post-dismasting, aligning with SteelX’s focus on efficiency and sustainability. With an estimated cost of €5,000 to €6,000 (excluding VAT and shipping), the LibertyKite offers an affordable and practical way to harness wind power, making it a smart addition for yachts of all sizes.
Chapter 2: A Wind-Powered Journey Across the Globe
The LibertyKite 40m² is designed to provide reliable propulsion across a variety of wind conditions, making it a versatile companion for long-distance voyages. On a route spanning from France to Cape Verde, the Caribbean, Mexico, Florida, Portugal, and back to France—covering approximately 11,000 nautical miles—the kite proves its usability in November’s diverse wind patterns. With winds ranging from variable westerlies in the North Atlantic to consistent northeast trades in the tropics, the kite is usable 79 to 84% of the journey, performing best in winds between 5 and 25 knots.
During this trip, the LibertyKite can propel the yacht at an average speed of 5 to 7 knots in typical 10 to 15-knot winds, covering the distance in about 76 days at an average speed of 6 knots. When winds are too light (below 5 knots) or too strong (above 25 knots), the kite’s usability drops, requiring engine assistance for the remaining 16 to 21% of the trip. This high usability ensures that the LibertyKite can significantly reduce reliance on traditional propulsion, making it an eco-friendly choice for yachts of varying sizes.
Chapter 3: Significant Energy Savings with Every Gust
The LibertyKite 40m² delivers impressive energy savings by reducing the need for engine power during most of the journey. For a yacht with a 40 kW engine baseline cruising at 6 knots, the total energy required for the 11,000-nautical-mile trip would be substantial—around 73,000 kWh if relying solely on the engine. With the LibertyKite usable 79 to 84% of the time, it can replace most of this propulsion, requiring the engine for only about 340 hours of the 1,833-hour journey.
This results in a significant energy saving of 58,000 to 62,000 kWh, or roughly 79 to 84% of the total energy that would have been used by the engine alone. These savings translate to a substantial reduction in fuel consumption, aligning with SteelX’s commitment to sustainability and making the LibertyKite a powerful tool for eco-conscious yacht owners, whether on a smaller yacht or a larger vessel.
Chapter 4: Boosting Speed with Wind and Electric Power
When combined with electric propulsion, the LibertyKite 40m² further enhances performance by increasing cruising speed. On its own, an electric yacht might achieve 5 knots using 20 kW of power. The LibertyKite adds an equivalent of 3 to 5 kW of thrust in typical winds, increasing the total effective power to 23 to 25 kW, and up to 27 to 30 kW in stronger 20-knot winds. This boost results in a speed increase of 6 to 16% on average, with a peak of up to 30% in optimal conditions, pushing the yacht’s speed to around 5.3 to 5.8 knots, or even 6.5 knots in ideal winds.
This speed increase, combined with the energy savings, makes the LibertyKite a game-changer for electric yachts, allowing for faster travel with minimal environmental impact. The kite’s ability to work seamlessly with electric propulsion ensures that your yacht can maintain efficient speeds while reducing reliance on diesel-generated power, enhancing every journey, regardless of the yacht’s size.
Chapter 5: Balancing Benefits with Practical Considerations
The LibertyKite 40m² offers significant advantages, but it’s worth considering the trade-offs, which apply to yachts of different sizes:
- Initial Investment: Priced at €5,000 to €6,000 (excluding VAT and shipping), the LibertyKite adds a modest cost to the yacht’s setup, though its long-term energy savings often justify the expense.
- Wind Dependency: The kite’s 79 to 84% usability means engine assistance is needed during calms or storms, requiring a hybrid approach to ensure consistent performance.
- Manual Deployment: While simpler than automated systems, the manual deployment may require some learning, though users note its ease of use and compact storage.
- Speed Variability: The 6 to 16% speed increase (up to 30% in optimal winds) is most pronounced in favorable conditions, with performance varying based on wind strength and direction.
These challenges are manageable, and the LibertyKite’s benefits make it a worthwhile addition for yachts seeking to embrace sustainable propulsion.
Chapter 6: Grounded in Real-World Performance
The advantages of the LibertyKite 40m² are supported by practical data and user experiences, ensuring reliability across yachts of varying sizes. Beyond the Sea’s design leverages the kite’s ability to provide 2 to 10 knots of speed in winds of 5 to 25 knots, with an average of 5 to 7 knots in typical conditions. November wind climatology, including northeast trades and westerlies, confirms the kite’s high usability across a global route, while user reports highlight its simplicity and effectiveness for small explorer vessels.
This real-world foundation ensures that the LibertyKite delivers tangible benefits, whether applied to a smaller yacht or a larger vessel. It’s a proven solution that enhances efficiency while promoting eco-friendly yachting in various conditions.
The LibertyKite 40m² is a transformative option that enhances efficiency and sustainability for yachts in the SteelX family:
- Impressive Energy Savings: Reduces energy use by 79 to 84%, saving 58,000 to 62,000 kWh on a long-distance journey, minimizing fuel consumption.
- Speed Boost: Increases cruising speed by 6 to 16%, with peaks up to 30% in optimal winds, when paired with electric propulsion.
- Eco-Friendly Propulsion: Harnesses wind power to reduce environmental impact, aligning with sustainable maritime practices.
- Practical Design: Offers simplicity, safety, and compact storage, making it easy to integrate into your yacht.
- Proven Performance: Backed by real-world data, this solution adapts to yachts of varying designs and conditions.
This option reflects SteelX’s dedication to innovation, offering a practical and eco-friendly solution that elevates the maritime experience for yacht owners.
Addendum: The Numbers Behind the Innovation
For those interested in the details, here’s a summary of the key performance metrics for the LibertyKite 40m²:
- Kite Usability: Usable 79 to 84% of a 11,000-nautical-mile journey, based on November wind patterns.
- Energy Savings: Saves 58,000 to 62,000 kWh, or 79 to 84% of the energy required for a 40 kW engine baseline over 1,833 hours.
- Speed Increase: Boosts speed by 6 to 16% on average (up to 30% in 20-knot winds) when combined with 20 kW electric propulsion, increasing from 5 knots to 5.3-5.8 knots.
- Offering an affordable entry into wind-powered propulsion.
These insights ensure the LibertyKite 40m² is a credible and impactful upgrade for yachts, balancing efficiency with sustainability.