Imitated, but unparalleled. Aquanova.

WAVE’s custom ocean row boat, "Aquanova" is a blending of modern materials and construction techniques, coupled with proven geometry and hull shapes. It has been optimized for the conditions of the North Atlantic, and can be easily used on other oceans.

Construction is of a kevlar/carbon fiber foamcore sandwich construction. The exterior is carbon fiber, with an inner skin of Kevlar. This will allow for an extremely strong and durable boat, with minimal weight. The key here is safety, with positive flotation added, the boat will be virtually unsinkable, even if it were to become severed.

Utilizing modern technologies, the boat is shaped and designed using 3D modeling programs. Computer programs enhance the design, and streamline the hull shape for maximum slip through the water. The boat has been ‘tested’ under extreme conditions long before it is ever constructed.

Though it sounds complex, Aquanova is simple in form and function, and will provide comfort and safety for WAVE while he rows for up to five months across the raging North Atlantic ocean.

The boat is self-righting, meaning that if it were to be rolled it would return to its normal upright position. It also has additional steering to help with currents and wind.

Most systems are redundant on Aquanova to help ensure continuation of the row in the event of any problems. Over three years of research and planning has gone into the design of Aquanova.

Aquanova Specs

Construction: All composite; resin infusion, carbon fiber and aramid (Kevlar) with epoxy over foam core (sandwich) construction.
Length: 24 feet
Beam: 6 feet
Weight: less than 600 lbs without equipment, up to 2,500lbs fully-laden.

Concept: Wave Vidmar
Naval Architecht: Marshall Yacht Design
Materials supplied by: Brands Composites, Hexion Stuttgart, Alcan Airex, Selcom Srl, and other fine companies.

Equipment

Oars and Oarlocks - custom BracaSport oars, and Magik MK1 locks
Watertight bulkheads and hatches – Maxwell Marine hatches keep everything dry.
Water maker – Katadyn Powesurvivor -40E converts sea water into consumable water by removing the salt. Can be convereted to manual operation and will produce water while rowing. Also backup watermaker and spare parts.
EPIRB GPS Safety beacon – McMurdo Pains EPIRB and McMurdro PLB provides pinpoint location in case of emergency.
Offshore liferaft with all provisions – just in case.
Satellite communications – voice and data - will allow for WAVE to transmit pics/video, daily updates, and communicate with the outside world. Including real-time tracking.
VHF Marine radio - ICOM M422 and M88 for contact with other marine vessels/authorities. GAM Electronics high output antennas.
Cooking – gimbaled stove in living compartment, can be used outside as well.
Full length sleeping cove – provides comfort and protection from being tossed around in the sea while resting. Includes sleeping harness.
Navigation – Northstar Explorer 567, Maptech; Navigator Pro and digital charts, compass, Sun/Stars, Maptech electronic charts, AIS
Computer – Panasonic Toughbook, GPS position, writing, daily updates, picture and video processing, DVD player, entertainment. Wired and wireless networks onboard. Scanner, printer, Olixir Data Vaults for precious info/hard drive storage. Over 500GB of onboard storage, 3.5 TB of media storage.
Solar power charging system by Real Goods– Gel batteries by MKBattery, solar film by Powerfilm, monitoring by Bogart Engineering, inverter by GP Power.
First Aid Kit – complete medication and supplies to treat up to moderate injuries (expedition doctors on stand-by via satellite phone/email).
Science Package
Music/Video Package
Analysis Package
Entertainment - capability to watch DVD's. WAVE will have 100+ DVD/CD's on the boat for the Atlantic crossing