Making waves
Plotting a more environmentally sound course, the Jockey Club has launched Solar Golf, the first of four solar-hybrid catamarans that will operate the ferry link between Sai Kung town and Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course.
In 2008, the club adopted a multiyear environmental plan that will also see the introduction of solar-powered golf carts.
Designed by Australian doctor and sailing enthusiast Robert Dane, chief executive of Solar Sailor Holdings, and purchased by the club as part of a US$45 million drive to make the city more environmentally conscious and to prove that green technology makes good business sense, the catamarans have a hybrid solar-powered electrical engine and a diesel-powered engine, which operate in parallel when cruising.
Only the electric motor is deployed when approaching a pier, keeping noise and emissions to a minimum. There is also reduced noise for passengers when at sea, as the engine room is located behind the passenger compartment.
Solar Sailor recently won Sustainable Shipping's environmental technology of the year award for the system.
'This has been a great team effort,' Dane says. 'Australian naval architect Grahame Parker, famous for low-wash hulls, has worked closely with Hong Kong shipyard Leung Wan Kee. The Marine Department has been efficient and diligent - these boats are the first of their kind in the world, so every detail has been scrutinised for safety. The Jockey Club, Kau Sai Chau and their marine advisers, Delta Marine Services, have made many improvements with regards to the layout for golf bags, seating for the disabled and finishes. The result is, the quality of the boat is excellent and golf club patrons are going to notice a huge difference.'
