by: Capt. Jorne Langelaan

At this stage of running the EcoClipper company our main goal is to spread the story about the return of sail. Thankfully this story is very compelling, so nationally and internationally it ignites interest wherever it is being told.

This story starts thousands of years ago, when the first people settled along rivers and estuaries, used tree branches on their rafts to make use of the wind for propulsion. From that moment on the sailing vessel became the most effective long-distance vehicle. In the 19th century that all changed when burning fossil fuels replaced the wind as source of energy. That the transition from sail to steam also marked the start of climate change which can barely be seen as a coincidence.

Nowadays 90% of everything we use, is being shipped over sea once or several times in its production process. The shipping industry emits more greenhouse gasses, than the entire economy of the country of Germany. 

Anybody who is serious about wanting to bring climate change to a halt, or preserve any of the natural life on earth, would agree that we ought to transition to a different sort of shipping. First of all, only those products should be shipped which could absolutely not been produced locally. What is left should be transported by emission free sailing vessels, built and run by EcoClipper and other cargo sailors.

Throughout the past months this story has been passed on during many occasions. In countless individual meetings with banks, shipping companies and other potential partners. During presentations in Rotterdam, Amsterdam, The Hague and even as far from the sea as Zurich in Switzerland… 

If you want to join in making EcoClipper reality, you can now host a presentation at your house, school, company or event.  Do not hesitate to come in contact, and I am delighted to present the story about the return of sail.