There was a time when all seafaring vessels used renewable energy sources…they moved either by manpower or wind power, or a combination of the two. The Industrial Revolution changed that and the steam engine, powered by coal or wood, pushed ships out of carbon neutrality.

In March, 2010 I had the privilege to experience the Vela Sud America, a Bicentennial Regatta of tall ships commemorating the creation of the independent South and Latin America, as they passed through the Straits of Magellan near Punta Arenas, Chile on their way up the west coast of South America. The weather hadn’t yet turned very cold (it was nearing winter in the southern hemisphere) and it was a bright sunny day.

Coincidentally today, September 15th, is Independence Day in all 5 countries of Central America–Feliz Día de la Independencia! Continue reading →