Voyager 2.0 returns to sailing as Voyager 2.5

After Voyager made an ocean voyage in May 2021, she was retired, and focus shifted to Voyager 3.0. But after some thought it was decided to refurbish and upgrade Voyager 2.0 to become Voyager 2.5 with aim of completing an ocean voyage.

The main features of the upgrade of Voyager 2.5 are:

• Aluminium mast replaced with Carbon fibre.
• Aluminium fin increased in thickness from 3mm to 5mm, to increase stiffness and strength.
• Sail Plan reduced in height by 100mm to reduce heeling moment, but increased length cord low down. The overall sail area was increased, but heling moment was reduced.
  Overall, its a much better sail plan.
• Updated Wing Sail Controller PCB. Improved design and an improved software increased battery life of Wing Sail from around 8 days to 20 days. The radio link was changed from Bluetooth 4 to Bluetooth 5 (with other methods in between).
• Updated Voyager Controller PCB, with new Teensy 3.6 microprocessor, rather than the Arduino Mega2560. Improved design and an improved software increased battery life of main controller from around 8 days to 20 days.
• Improved fastening of the equipment cases to the hull to prevent them being lost.

Voyager 2.0, with a similar setup used for the ocean voyage in May 2021

Voyager 2.0 refurbished as 2.5, under-going final lake trials prior to going to sea, June 2022.

Voyager 2.5 on Torquay beach, preparing to go to sea