How much?

Just a question for all of those that have been sailing the oceans for at least a few years now... I had an idea of building a hybrid sail boat that would be completely dependent on wind (maybe a small generator for back up). If the wind is almost always blowing out at sea it would work wonderfully, but if it isn't it would be almost completely dead in the water when there is no wind.

How much time to you actually spend under sail with out motor assistance?

Now the idea would be to utilize two generators, one would be a smaller Horizontal-axis wind turbine mounted at the top of the mast, and a larger retractable Vertical-axis wind turbine, some how mounted to the mast (like in WaterWorld, but not likely the egg beater type.) that could be used to ride out a storm. And the keel would be the perfect place for bank of batteries.

Any thoughts?

 

Jason;
Sailing boats have been navigating the seas, without auxilliary power, for centuries. Over time there has evolved a body of knowledge about weather patterns, seasons, and routes. Sailors sail where the wind is regular. One will avoid the doldrums and choose a route that is likely to have sufficient wind to get them to the destination even if it involves a circuitous route. Likewise the knowledgeable sailor will avoid latitudes where there is too much wind for safety and comfort. The 40s at the wrong season is not a fun place to be.

To the question about how much time one will spend without wind... Not much if you plan well. Nav gear and communication gear is an essential for the prudent sailor. For that you'll need some electrical power. The turbines will furnish charging current for the batteries. Not for propulsion. I would be careful about putting machinery on the mast however.

 

How much ?

Good advice from messabout and lazeyjack. Seasonal 'wind' charts are available - but expensive. Couple this knowledge with a study of the ocean currents, and be prepared to spend at least a year 'drifting' about. But in making your plans take into account the annual variables of wind and currents. A venture (to be applauded) such as yours isn't just a matter of 'shoving off' and hoping for the best. And to be on the safe side practice whistling as well....

 

Excellent advice from all so far. I'll just add that, even with modern charts and nav aids, wind and current are natural forces, and will come and go as Mother Nature, God, or the gods see fit. Learn all you can, prepare well, ..... and be prepared to take whatever comes. Lose the strict calendar, all of your destination times will become windows. Come to think of it, that slower pace and more flexible calendar is one of the main attractions of ocean sailing!