AVE GITANA RACING TRIMARAN
The Ave Gitana electric racing trimaran was built in New Zealand by Grant Wichman and launched 1991 in Auckland. The boat is a Lock Crowther Design #93 built for legendary australian sailors Ian Johnston and Cathy Hawkins. It is the sister ship of their famous Australian Trimaran Balena/ Bullfrog / Verbatim / Pacific Cranes/ Australias Child / Aero/ Current sunshine/ now again called Bullfrog. This design is a legend in regards to seaworthiness and racing results. Designed for shorthanded ocean racing in the demanding conditions of the Tasman and north Atlantic, but still roomy enough for extended cruising for two to four people. It has sailed over 60 000 nm since its launch and set the new Solo Tasman 2014 record after 28 years for this race despite unfavorable conditions. Now it is being refitted with a 15kW electric sail drive motor & a 14kWh Lithium-Ion battery pack. For extended range it will also have a portable Honda EU20i generator.
Technology used in the Ave Gitana electric racing trimaran:
- Designer: Lock Crowther Design #93
- Length overall: 40 ft /12,17 m
- Beam: 36 ft /11,06 m
- Boat weight: 4500 kg
- Previous motor system: 3 cylinder Lombardini diesel engine
- Electric motor system: Oceanvolt SD15 electric sail drive motor
- Electric motor system nominal power: 15 kW
- Electric motor system voltage: 48 V
- Electric motor system weight: 46.5 kg
- Batteries: 14kWh Valence Battery pack
- Generator: Honda EU20i portable generator
- Propeller: Gori 3-bladed 16,5"x12" propeller
