Atlantic Clipper (schooner)
Posted: Wed Feb 25, 2009 6:30 pm
The History of The Atlantic Clipper
In 1983 Jeff Allen built his first sail assisted cargo ship, known as The Atlantic Clipper, to sail between the UK and the
Caribbean. This 400 tonner with a 100 foot steel hull and twin 100 foot masts sailed every six weeks at an average
speed of 8.5 knots. She carried such cargo as engines, building materials, agricultural machinery, domestic appliances
and drinks. The use of sails meant an £11,000 reduction in operating costs every trip.
During the three years that Jeff sailed The Atlantic Clipper he gained unique experience of running sail assisted cargo
vessels to and around the Caribbean. The saving in fuel costs, the increased stability afforded by sails and the relative
size of the vessel convinced him that sail technology would be a critical factor in servicing smaller markets that require a
regular service but are unable to support conventional shipping.
No 1 hold loading with general cargo in the West Indies to begin a return voyage to the UK.
Loading cargo alongside in Plymouth, UK for an outward bound voyage to the West Indies. While the vessel had its own
loading and discharging ability the tides in the UK made the use of shoreside cranes more efficient.
Most of the time, in the West Indies, we used union purchase on the derricks to load and unload. Occasionally when we
had a heavy lift, up to 7.5 tonnes in this case, we used the derricks doubled up.
The Atlantic Clipper sailed well and proved a very sea worthy boat operating in the winter North Atlantic providing a year
around service. Obviously if we had our time again we would have done things slightly differently, like the engine design
and maybe a little less stability.
The outward bound route took the Atlantic Clipper south from the UK and then picked up the trades.
Greenship
Jeff Allen
Jeff Allen conceived, built and operated the Atlantic Clipper. He has a background in Marine Engineering and has worked on the sea for 25 years. He has a vast amount of expertise of the use of sails and is practical. His belief is to start with simple solutions using modern materials and applied in a practical way thus increasing the knowledge base so future developments are well grounded.
He is 57 and lives in Wiltshire with his wife and they have a business teaching people methods of problem solving, problem solving in relationships, in business and in life.
Greenships web site and others.
SG174