The start-up company Searine launched a search in late summer 2024 for three experienced test sailors – sailors who would sail with the company’s revolutionary and exciting Ocean One system.The interest in both Searine’s technology and the opportunity to participate in the test program was overwhelming.
Carefully selected
The three test sailors were carefully selected by the expert panel who assessed the sailors’ experience and technical knowledge within the maritime field. Comprising Karin Steen Steffensen (instructor and speaker), Benjamin Götke (marine electrician), Lars Nordbjærg (shipyard owner), Øyvind Bordal (journalist and author), Anders Söderberg (harbourmaster), and Anders Hovmøller (founder and CEO of Searine), the panel had no doubt about who they wanted to choose.
The three test sailors
The first sailor selected by the panel is Thomas Helt, who has 40 years of experience as an offshore cruiser. He sails a Dynamic 43 from 1986, equipped with a Volvo Penta 2003T engine. His voyages range from the Øresund and Kattegat to the North Atlantic – offering optimal conditions for testing the Ocean One system under diverse circumstances.
The second test sailor is Henrik Tranæs from Vedbæk. Henrik has been sailing for 25 years and proudly owns a Beneteau First 45 from 2009, currently powered by a Yanmar 58 engine, which will be replaced with Searine’s Ocean One system.
We also have the pleasure of introducing Jonas Troense from Horsens, who has 30 years of sailing experience across Danish, Swedish, and German waters. By profession, Jonas is a boatbuilder, which gives him a unique understanding of boat construction and system installation. He sails a Hercules 38 from 2002, currently equipped with a Volvo Penta.
Closely monitored
Throughout the 2025 season, the test sailors will be closely followed – from the installation of the Ocean One system in their boats to sailing under various conditions. Along the way, the system’s technical data will be analysed to evaluate performance under different weather conditions, loads, and sailing activities – all of which will, of course, be covered here at baadmagasinet.dk.
“Searine looks forward to a close and exciting collaboration with the three test sailors. We hope that it will provide valuable insight for the continued development of Ocean One – along with exciting experiences and new learnings that can help shape the future of sustainable sailing,” concludes Anders Hovmøller in his statement to Bådmagasinet.
