Czarina, the 27' solar electric ketch built by Covey Island Boatworks, showed her stuff during sea trials off Fort Lauderdale, Florida, earlier this month (March, 2007) with owner Tom Goodwin of the Bahamas onboard.

Click here for more sea trial images.

A month earlier the same boat attracted the comment "Prettiest boat in the show!" from many visitors at the Strictly Sail boat show in Miami.

Czarina was designed by Laurie McGowan and Tom Goodwin, who is an experienced sailor — someone who sails like the hardy pioneers of cruising from a century ago. In fact the boat is based on a schooner design by E. Stinson from 1890.

Lauire McGowan, who enjoys blending old elements with new, says of his & Tom's design:

Czarina's amenities are simple, but with such excellent sail area and ballast numbers her performance should be very good. There was no room for an inboard, and Tom didn't want to bother with one anyway, or an outboard in a well... which rarely works as hoped anyway. So Tom opted for a very efficient electric motor for his auxiliary.

The large bank of AGM batteries located beside the centreboard case provides over 5 hours of motoring at hull speed, and adds ballast.

The batteries can be charged by stowable solar panels, 'regeneration' (allowing the prop to freewheel while sailing) or by shore power.

This renewable energy electric auxiliary offers low operating costs - and no noise, mess, heat or smell.  It's the wave of the future... available and practical today!"

Covey Island has built custom yachts for the world since 1979.

Related Link:
McGowan Marine Design