What do you get when you combine twelve thousand plastic bottles and creative eco-vision?
Why, Plastiki of course.
The 60-foot-long custom designed catamaran--crafted almost entirely of reclaimed and recycled plastic--is getting set to sail from San Francisco to Sydney to draw attention to the massive plastic refuse problem in the ocean, and environment.
Plastiki is the brain child of eco-adventurer and British banking heir David de Rothschild who named his catamaran in honor of Kon-tiki, the wooden sailing vessel used by Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. Rothschild and his veteran skipper, Jo Royle have assembled a crew of eight for next month's 11,000 mile sail, including two of Heyerdahls descendants. Crew members will be announced at a news conference today.
Both Rothschild and Royle shared details of the upcoming journey to a rapt audience at Sausalito's Cavallo Point on Thursday night. The Institute at the Golden Gate hosted the event with the overflow crowd packed into the former Fort Baker base chapel. Television personality Doug McConnell, himself an outdoor adventurer, welcomed the sailors and moderated a Q and A session with the crowd. A short video illustrating the vessel's construction, was shown prior to the discussion.
Why would someone bother to try such a crazy stunt?
"Find a cause and build an adventure around it," answered Rothschild "We're trying to get people to look at their footprint and waste."
The boat has not yet been taken out past the Golden Gate, mostly due to weather issues, but Royle says they've planned their first, and only, shakedown-- test on open water. Plastiki, which is currently moored at the Presidio Yacht Club at Fort Baker, has ventured out on the Bay.
"We already know she sails solid, and she sails well," said Royle confidently adding, "We've mainly the same concerns as any ocean-going vessel."
Plastiki features state-of-the-art satellite communications and the latest in sustainability, including renewably-sourced energy provided by solar panels, stationary-bike powered generators, a hydroponic garden and a self-composting toilet. The galley, sleeping quarters, toilet and comms center are located in a geodesic-like dome which is also constructed of recycled woven plastic.
The trip to Sydney won't be in a straight line, however. They plan to sail to specific problem spots in the Pacific, like the refuse gyre, a massive floating garbage dump in the Eastern Pacific made famous recently by Sausalito resident Mary Crowley and Project Kaisei. Rothschild acknowledged Crowley, who was at the event, as well as many others who are providing both support and inspiration for his journey.
"We have very little respect for our oceans from an ecological stand point...We're trying to foster solutions" noted Rothschild.
One questioner asked for Rothschild's reaction to the recent story about the fudging of climate change data and then proceeded to state that climate change itself was unproven. Rothschild graciously acknowledged the difference of opinion, and then answered by saying, " let's just focus on things that are undeniable" referring to the overwhelming evidence of plastic pollutants.
No matter what Plastiki finds, or doesn't find on the unique trip, thousands of people will be able to follow the adventures via a website with Rothschild's blog, as well as submit questions. At least that's the plan according to Rothschild, who says he's "hoping for interactivity."
Just another high-tech aspect of a unique eco-mission, inspired by a low-tech adventurer some 63 years ago.
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