I gather the launching in Keil of the 31m solar-powered circumnavigation vessel is scheduled for 25 February. The marine architects LOMOcean also designed the Earthrace vessel - since renamed but sank in a collision during its Southern ocean activities for the Seasheperd anti-whaling organisation of course.
The hope is that the solar powered boat will average 8 knots for the whole voyage. It will have just 2 crew. Apparently, after the event the vessel is intended to become a private yacht!
More information at
www.planetsolar.org.com