Lukas Sjöman, a sailor from Finland, dedicated nearly 200 days to crafting an 11-meter yacht almost entirely by hand. Constructed from marine plywood and fiberglass, the vessel weighed approximately 1.5 tons and was outfitted with just the essential gear needed for onboard living.
The standout feature of the yacht, named Helios 11, was its rooftop solar panels. These photovoltaic cells generated electricity to charge a battery system that powered the boat, while a supplemental sail provided an alternative means of propulsion when the wind conditions were favorable.
Sjöman embarked on a remarkable journey, sailing Helios 11 from Finland to Ibiza across northern and western Europe without relying on any traditional diesel fuel. GreenMe estimates the voyage covered roughly 5,700 kilometers, or about 3,540 miles. Another source cites a distance of 3,106 miles. Despite these differences, all reports agree that Helios 11 reached Ibiza without refueling.
Solar Panels and Battery System Power Helios 11
The yacht’s roof-mounted photovoltaic array produces close to 6 kW of electrical power. This energy is stored in a 48-volt battery bank that powers both propulsion and onboard systems.
Besides propelling the yacht, this stored power supports daily life at sea, running devices such as an electric stove, a compact refrigerator, and a toilet.
The solar panels’ energy output fluctuates with sunlight availability and weather. When sunlight is insufficient, Helios 11 relies on electricity saved in its batteries.
Minimizing weight was crucial given the energy constraints, prompting Sjöman to build the boat using lightweight materials. Additionally, Helios 11 was equipped with an auxiliary sail that reduces the load on the electric motor when wind conditions permit, helping to conserve battery charge.
The combination of solar energy, battery storage, and sail power enabled the boat to travel continuously without needing to refuel, as long as Sjöman could handle the variable conditions encountered along the path.
A Diverse Route Across Europe
Helios 11’s route took it from Finland through Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and France, before arriving near Spain. The trip involved navigating canals, rivers, and open waters, presenting a variety of operational challenges.
Some issues arose unrelated to the boat’s propulsion. While anchored in La Rápita, Spain, the team’s utility dinghy—a foam-and-wood catamaran-style craft powered by a Momentum Electric Marine U2 outboard motor—was stolen.
Without a replacement on hand, Sjöman and his crew improvised by building a new tender from foam and wood, which enabled them to maintain trips to shore.
Later in the voyage, the solar panels were struck by rocks hurled from a bridge. This prompted a check of their performance, which revealed no loss in energy production compared to the previous day.
Arriving in Ibiza on Pure Solar Power
After traversing multiple European countries, Helios 11 reached Ibiza solely powered by its onboard solar-generated electricity, battery reserves, and the auxiliary sail.
The total distance covered varies among reports, with GreenMe noting approximately 5,700 kilometers and another source listing 3,106 miles.
Regardless of these discrepancies, the key achievement remains that Sjöman’s handcrafted electric yacht completed its European journey without consuming any fossil fuels.
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