Katie and Lyall Burgess

Co-Founders

Boat shows

Sun Powered Yachts officially launched at the Annapolis Sailboat Show 2018 and had a very busy show, read our blog post.  It was great to chat with so many people about going solar aboard their yachts.  From those looking to trickle charge their batteries with a SunPower 50W to large catamarans installing 10x SunPower 100W panels it was a fantastic opportunity for us to highlight the benefits of going solar & identify what sets SunPower flexible panels apart. 

 

We soon realized that it's important for us to be available, approachable and demonstrate the SunPower E-Flex panels.  We have exhibited at a number of boatshows and look forward to being able to do so again soon.  

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Who we follow

The more time that we get to spend in the marine industry you come to realize that it's one big family!  It's great to have met, and come to know over the years, so many people that enjoy their time in and around sailing.  We would like to highlight some of the awesome people and the services they bring to the sailing world, get in touch with them & ask questions - we all started somewhere and love to answer questions :)

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Sun Powered Yachts is a supporter of the 'On the Wind' podcast hosted by Andy Schell from 59' North.  Enjoy regular talks as Andy meets with people from around the world of sailing and chats about their experiences on the ocean.  Be inspired and entertained as Andy's guests, from tall ship captains to yacht designers and Volvo Ocean Race skippers, chat casually & recount their adventures.  

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Check out www.59-north.com for more info on where Andy & Mia are sailing to next on their Swan 59 'Icebear' & Swan 48 'Isbjorn' and click here to listen to the podcast.

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Meet the Team

When Lyall and Katie met while sailing in Saint Lucia, after the ARC in 2011, it was love at first sight.  They have been busy pursuing their passions for solar energy and sailing while raising their two daughters on the Big Island of Hawaii.  After purchasing their own yacht through the Dream Yacht Ownership Program  they have been spending more time on the water preparing to sail in the ARC 2021 (attracts over 200 boats and 1200 people every year to sail 2700 NM across the Atlantic from Gran Canaria to Saint Lucia) & spend a full year aboard with the girls in 2022.  In seeking to find a solar solution for their Dufour 382 they realized there is little information available for boat owners who wish to go solar.   With the introduction of the SunPower E-Flex Series solar panels in summer 2017, there is now a viable and economic solution for yacht owners who desire the best in marine solar and we would like to share that with you.

  • Lyall has previously worked with World Cruising Club for 10 years as an Event Manager, helping sailors get across oceans.  Since first learning to sail in 2004 he has gone on to log over 50,000 miles and is qualified as an RYA Yachtmaster Ocean.

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  • Katie has been working in the solar industry in Hawaii for over a decade, most recently for a SunPower dealer, ProVision Solar.  Her knowledge of solar products and system design will be an asset to your yacht's system.