So far on AutoblogGreen, we have brought you stories on boats which use only alternative forms of energy, like solar or wind, or both. Those boats are energy autonomous; we have brought you cars which are energy autonomous too. We have even brought you cars which need no drivers. But, as far as I know, this is the first time we've brought them all together to bring you energy autonomous boats which need no drivers. So, here they are. These boats are part of the Microtransat Challenge, a transatlantic race of fully autonomous sailing boats which can use nothing but wind power.

As always, there are rules to the competition, and the entries will be judged according to a preset list of criteria. The rules seem pretty easy, but the actual competition is sure to be quite difficult. If it wasn't hard enough to cross the Atlantic using only wind power, it is sure to add a major headache doing it hands-off. I do not look forward to the day when our cars are capable of driving themselves, but I don't have bad feelings when it comes to boats for whatever reason. I guess I wouldn't mind if a taxi had no driver, and these tests of autonomous vehicles are, in effect, trials of just such a technology. Wind powered driver-less ferries and solar powered taxi's sound just fine to me, how about you?

[Source: The Microtransat Challenge via Engadget]

Take a look above at the picture of the new green ferry, the Miss Statue of Liberty, which will be ferrying up to 600 passengers at a time to view the Statue of Liberty in New York. The statue, of course, reminds people of freedom, and being free of petroleum is what this ferry is all about. An on-board "solar sail" provides some electric power for the boat, and also is capable of catching the wind for forward motion. Additionally, there are two diesel engines which provide thrust. I would like to see real a picture of this craft, so if somebody knows where to find one, please reply to this post or shoot us a line.

The vessel is being made by Solar Sailor Holdings in Australia, at a cost of 8-10 million dollars. I will I had some data to compare that price to, but I haven't been ferry shopping in a while. This article says it will cost about $2 million more than a standard ferry, though. Another green touch: the design is said to create a small wake, which is better for the marine ecosystem.

[Source: WSTM News New York]

Just yesterday, we ran a post indicating that some people in the United States of America would like to see some better small cars on our side of the pond. Despite what many believe, not all Americans believe that bigger is always better. I know that trucks and SUVs have been all the rage for the last ten years or so, but small cars such as the Mini, New Beetle and even the Smart are proving that small can be cool too. OK, so that covers cars, but what about other forms of transportation. Well, small private jets are certainly considered cool, and scooters are making inroads in the typically huge custom cruiser style motorcycle market, not that I expect most Harley owners to trade their Road Kings in for Vespas or anything. But how about boats? I know that many consider a huge yacht to be the utmost in luxury confines, but then again, I also know some would choose kayaking over pontoon-ing any day. So, why not take a moment to consider a catamaran which is capable of folding down to the size of a large gym bag? Ever dreamed of sailing on the ocean blue but realized that you couldn't afford to (I'm a poet...)? Try this one out for size.

[Source: Gizmag]

We've showcased marine technology concepts that involve solar, wind and electric power. But here's a production boat with twin electric motors, and the company says it will make the powertrain optional on other models. The Lagoon 440 is a fully appointed French catamaran sailboat with a half-million-dollar price tag. The electric motors turn at 900 to 1,110 rpm for efficient cruising when needed. A small diesel-powered 22-kW generator charges 144-volt battery pack. With a good breeze in its sails, the electric motors are turned by the props being dragged through the water; hence the motors turn into generators to charge the battery pack, much like braking in a hybrid vehicle recharges the battery. Extra power can be used for the ship's appliances or sail winches. Here is the future of sailing that is not a concept.

Related:

• It was only a matter of time: electric boats
• Solar electric boat SUN21 heading out on transatlantic, oil-free voyage
• Build a kite big enough for a ship, and you'll save fuel
• Electric-hybrid 'aquatankers' could solve water shortages

[Source: Tom Dove / Sail]