Year
2019
Operation Area
Atlantic Ocean
Purpose
SD-1021 arrived in the United Kingdom from Bermuda in August 2019 after 75 days at sea, setting a record for the fastest Atlantic crossing by an uncrewed vehicle. On its return trip, SD-1021 took the direct northern route, sailing predominantly upwind and against the current, completing the 3,402-nautical mile passage in just 68 days and becoming the first unmanned technology to transit in both directions across the Atlantic.
Results
SD-1021 recorded current strength and direction in the North Atlantic, collected metocean data related to climate science, and demonstrated the endurance and reliability of the Saildrone platform.