On-board energy

An offshore racing boat uses a lot of electricity: autopilot, hydraulic rams, instruments, computers, satellite communications, watermaker. Without power, a solo sailor can no longer sleep, because the autopilot stops.

Electricity is stored in batteries (often lithium) and produced by hydrogenerators, solar panels, sometimes a fuel cell, and by the engine used as a charger. Several classes and organisers encourage boats to do without the engine or to limit it. A power failure is among the causes of retirement.