The object
Richard Jenkins adapted a wind-powered land-speed-record machine into Saildrone's autonomous surface vessels. The manufactured boats pair a rigid wing sail with solar power and sensors, enabling long-duration ocean observation and surveillance without a crew or conventional fuel-driven propulsion.
What Richard did
Adapted his wind-powered land-speed-record design into Saildrone's autonomous, wind-and-solar-powered surface vehicles.
Why it matters
Time reported that dozens of Saildrone vessels were operating at sea for weather, marine-science and maritime-safety work and could remain unattended for up to a year.
Living-status check
Saildrone's April 2025 leadership announcement names Jenkins as founder and chief executive at Sea Air Space 2025, positive evidence he was alive and active in 2025.