Sailing The Seas: Exploring The Boat Delos

The SV Delos is a 53-foot-long Amel Super Maramu sailing boat. It is one of the finest built cruising sailboats in the world. The vessel was purchased by Brian Trautman in 2008 and is owned and sailed by Trautman, his wife Karin Syrén, and their daughter Sierra. The boat has sailed over 70,000 miles and visited 46 countries, with the crew documenting their travels and adventures on their popular YouTube channel, 'SV Delos'.

The boat's name and its origin

The name of the boat, Delos, comes from a mythical island off the coast of Greece. According to Greek mythology, the island of Delos was raised from the underwater kingdom of Poseidon, the god of the sea, in order to provide a floating oasis for the twin offspring of Zeus, the god of the sky, and a human. Zeus' wife had banned the half-god-half-human twins from being born on any land.

The boat's owner, Brian Trautman, purchased the 53-foot-long Amel Super Maramu in 2008. The boat was built in La Rochelle, France, in 2000. It is one of the finest-built cruising sailboats in the world, able to accommodate six people comfortably. Trautman, an electrical engineer, has made various improvements to the boat, such as installing lithium-iron-phosphate batteries and an induction cooktop.

Its specifications

Delos is a 53-foot (16-metre) long Amel Super Maramu, a sailing ketch with two masts. It was built in La Rochelle, France, in 2000, and purchased by Brian Trautman in 2008. The boat can comfortably sleep six people.

Delos has made several ocean crossings, sometimes through heavy weather conditions, including severe lightning storms, and once tackling a 50-knot gale en route to Madagascar.

Trautman, a former electrical engineer, made several improvements to the boat, including installing lithium-iron-phosphate batteries with a battery management system to power the electronics. The crew has also taken steps to make the boat more environmentally friendly, such as removing the propane cooker and replacing it with a two-burner induction cooktop and a simple electric oven.

The boat has a hybrid-electric propulsion system, with one hull containing a Nanni N4.80 diesel engine and a 25kW electric motor, and the other hull being purely electric with a 25kW electric motor. This configuration allows the boat to run under diesel power, diesel-electric hybrid power, or pure electric power.

Delos also features an outside galley with a refrigerator, sink, grill/stove, and a fish fillet and prep station, as well as an extended roof to provide protection from the elements. The boat is fabricated from 5083 aluminium alloy and is fully insulated, making it suitable for both tropical and higher-latitude climates.

The boat has watertight bulkheads located in the forward crash compartments, forepeaks, amidships, and engine rooms, providing additional safety. It also has a forward sailing cockpit, which centralises the sheets, halyards, and winches for efficient line handling and makes short-handed sailing easier.

Delos has a massive solar array, with approximately 3.5 kW of solar power, providing ample energy for power-hungry systems. The boat also features an integrated rainwater collection system and optimised systems for life at sea, such as a unique aft dinghy platform that serves as a mount for the dinghy and a large space for relaxing or diving preparations when anchored.

The propulsion system includes a mechanical clutch that allows the diesel engine to be disengaged from the propeller shaft and run as a generator when anchored. The boat also has shaft-driven propellers and a rudder skeg, protecting the rudder and propeller from debris strikes and groundings.

The crew has also experimented with eco-friendly alternatives to traditional antifouling, combining a sonic antifoul system and slippery hull paint to avoid using toxic chemicals.

Its owner

The owner of the sailing vessel Delos is Brian Trautman, who sails with his wife Karin Syrén and their daughter Sierra. Trautman and his wife have been sailing around the world for over 15 years, dedicating their time to capturing and sharing the beauty of the world.

Trautman grew up in Flagstaff, Arizona, and worked as a diesel mechanic during his high school years. He later earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Washington and worked at Microsoft before starting his own software company. However, he soon grew tired of the 60-hour workweeks and began dreaming of crossing oceans in a boat. Inspired by the book "Three Years in a 12-Foot Boat" by Stephen G. Ladd, Trautman spent several years researching and saving money for his first voyage, which began in 2009 in Seattle, Washington.

Since then, Trautman and his crew have sailed Delos over 70,000 miles and visited 46 countries, documenting their travels and adventures on their popular YouTube channel, "Sailing SV Delos". The channel has seen rapid growth over the years, with over 846,000 subscribers as of January 2024 and has allowed the crew to support their income through YouTube with crowdfunding and Patreon campaigns.

In addition to his sailing adventures, Trautman has also made various improvements to Delos, utilizing his knowledge as a former electrical engineer. He has installed lithium-iron-phosphate batteries with a battery management system to power the electronics on the vessel and has taken steps to make Delos environmentally friendly.

The Delos crew has also engaged in numerous philanthropic endeavors, such as contributing to restoration efforts on the island of Dominica, which was ravaged by Hurricane Maria in 2017, and donating US$50,000 to various charities, including the Surfrider Foundation, which seeks to protect the world's oceans.

Its sustainability

The SV Delos is a 53-foot sailing vessel purchased by Brian Trautman in 2008. It is one of the finest cruising sailboats in the world, sleeping six people comfortably. The crew of the SV Delos have made numerous improvements to the boat to make it more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

One of the most significant changes was the installation of lithium-iron-phosphate batteries with a battery management system. This system powers the electronics on the vessel, including an induction cooktop. The lithium-phosphate batteries provide greater power over traditional lead-acid types, and a mobile app allows for easy battery monitoring. The crew also removed the propane cooker, which improved life on board and reduced wasted heat.

Another important step towards sustainability was the crew's decision to reduce the amount of chemicals used on the boat and going into the water. They achieved this by combining a sonic antifoul system and slippery hull paint. The sonic antifoul system, manufactured by NRG Marine, works by transmitting electronic waves through the boat that agitate marine growth, discouraging it from clinging to the hull. The hull paint, Sea-Speed elastomeric paint, provides an ultra-slippery surface that naturally sheds growth.

The SV Delos also features a hybrid-electric propulsion system, with one hull containing a diesel engine and the other a pure electric motor. This system allows for greater fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The boat also has a gigantic solar array, providing power for even the most power-hungry systems.

In addition to these specific improvements, the crew of the SV Delos have also engaged in various philanthropic endeavours, such as contributing to restoration efforts on the island of Dominica and donating to charities that protect the world's oceans. They have also made efforts to reduce trash on board, such as removing packaging before bringing items onto the boat and using reusable containers.

Its maintenance

Maintenance of the SV Delos

The SV Delos is a 53-foot-long Amel Super Maramu sailing vessel purchased by Brian Trautman in 2008. It is one of the finest cruising sailboats in the world, accommodating six people comfortably. As with any boat, proper maintenance is crucial to keep Delos in optimal condition and ensure the safety of its crew. Here are some insights into the maintenance of this remarkable vessel:

General Maintenance:

Delos, like any boat, requires regular maintenance to keep her in top shape. The crew sets aside a certain percentage of the boat's value annually for general repairs and preventive maintenance. This fund covers various routine items that may need attention during their voyages, such as pumps, impellers, oil changes, and sail repairs. Given Delos' complexity, with numerous systems on board, regular maintenance is vital to identify and address potential issues promptly.

Long-Term Maintenance:

In addition to the general maintenance, the crew also plans for long-term maintenance items. These include replacing standing rigging, getting a new dinghy engine, investing in new sails, haul-out services, and applying bottom paint. As Delos ages and accumulates more miles, these long-term maintenance requirements become more frequent and costly. For instance, the crew recently replaced the rigging, a major expense, and have noticed an increase in expenditures for items like pumps, electrical motors, and alternators.

Power and Electrical Systems:

Delos has undergone significant upgrades to its power and electrical systems. The crew installed lithium-iron-phosphate batteries with a battery management system to power the vessel's electronics, including an induction cooktop. This upgrade provides greater power compared to traditional lead-acid batteries, and a mobile app allows for easy monitoring. Additionally, they have solar panels to supplement their energy needs while at sea.

Propulsion System:

Delos is a sailing ketch with two masts. The propulsion system has been a key area of focus for the crew. They have considered various options, including a hybrid drive system, to improve efficiency and performance. The hybrid system would allow for diesel power, hybrid arrangement, or pure electric power, providing flexibility and the ability to regenerate batteries while sailing.

Hull and Antifouling:

The hull of Delos has received attention to maintain its performance and protect it from the marine environment. The crew has experimented with eco-friendly alternatives to traditional antifouling methods. They combined a sonic antifoul system and slippery hull paint to avoid using toxic substances. This system uses electronic waves to discourage marine growth from clinging to the hull. Additionally, they applied a Sea-Speed elastomeric paint, which provides an ultra-slippery surface to naturally shed growth when the boat is in motion.

Crew Contributions:

An essential aspect of Delos' maintenance is the crew's involvement. The team often invites new crew members who contribute to sailing, boat maintenance, and filming. Each member plays a role in keeping Delos in good condition, from routine cleaning and watch schedules to more specialized tasks like electrical work and system upgrades. The crew's diverse skills and dedication are vital to the vessel's overall maintenance and performance.

Planned Upgrades:

The crew is always looking for ways to improve Delos and enhance their sailing experience. They have considered designing a Delos 2.0, an aluminium expeditionary catamaran with improved features, including a hybrid propulsion system, an integrated rainwater collection system, and a low-maintenance exterior. While they haven't ruled out this upgrade, they are also committed to optimising and modernising their current vessel, making practical improvements based on their extensive knowledge of the boat.

Frequently asked questions