Pete Goss' Open 50

Technical Implementation

The Goss Open 50, raced in the Vendee Globe, used a Leece-Neville 24v/75A alternator on the propulsion engine and another independent alternator, directly coupled to an air-cooled 3hp diesel as back up and for heating. Each alternator was controlled by its own Adverc.

The system was designed and developed by the illustrious Jim Doxey, based in Bristol, who has also carried out considerable work on Tony Bullimore’s catamaran. ‘Legato’.

The catamaran has been re-named and extensively modified since its Enza and Royal Sun Alliance (Tracey Edwards) days.

Concerning the electrical power generation and battery requirements, the vessel now has two Yanmar 1GM generators, one in each stern, each directly coupled to a Prestolite AB172R 24v/105A brushless alternator. The batteries are 240AHr Sonnenschein Gel, having a bank in each hull, with distribution in the central pod.

Monitoring is achieved using two Link 10’s, one for each bank. The normal working load is about 10amps and charging generally takes place over 3 one hour periods every 24 hours.

All charging systems have performed faultlessly, as, perhaps, can be gauged from the Ellen McArthur television documentary.

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