How a 50-year-old sailboat is pushing the boundaries of electric sailing with AkzoNobel
When Dan and Kika of Sailing UMA first set sail over a decade ago, it wasn’t for luxury or leisure. It was a bold leap into sustainable living, independence, and the pursuit of freedom.
Dan and Kika’s journey began with a savvy purchase. A 50-year-old sailboat was listed for $21,000, and they bought it for just $3,000 after discovering the inboard diesel engine was beyond repair. With determination, the couple managed to get the boat operational, departing Florida with only $20 in their bank account.
Since then, Uma has undergone several iterations. The initial focus was on seaworthiness, followed by upgrades to prepare for an Atlantic crossing.
Now, with over a decade of sailing experience behind them, a more robust budget, and trusted relationships with marine suppliers, Dan and Kika are taking on their most extensive rebuild yet.
They’re deep into a transformative refit of their sailboat, lovingly referred to as Uma 3.0, preparing it for one of its most ambitious voyages yet.
As part of this ongoing evolution, AkzoNobel’s portfolio of yacht brands has played a critical role in reinforcing both the integrity and aesthetics of the sailboat.
A big factor in keeping Uma 3.0 strong and seaworthy comes down to choosing the right coatings, and for Dan and Kika, International® has been their go-to for reliability, performance and technical expertise.
To protect the parts of the boat most exposed to moisture, like below the waterline and inside lockers, they’ve used Interprime® 820. It’s a tough base primer that gives them peace of mind in damp, challenging conditions.
For the boat’s interior, Interior Primer 860 from International® has been their choice. It creates a durable, moisture-resistant layer that sets the stage for smooth, long-lasting finishes, which is perfect for life aboard in all kinds of weather.
When it comes to the hull and deck, Dan and Kika turned to the Perfection Pro Paint System – a favourite for its high-gloss finish and versatility, especially important since they’re working without a spray booth. They carried out the work with proper training and support and made sure to wear the appropriate PPE throughout the process.
They’re holding off on the final topcoat until the weather’s just right, knowing it will add that polished look while protecting the surface from sun and sea.
Finally, to keep the hull below the waterline clean during long stretches at sea, they’ve chosen Micron® 99 from the Micron range by International®, a trusted solution built to withstand whatever the ocean throws at them.
Their relationship with AkzoNobel has grown significantly over the years. “Having access to expert guidance on product selection has been a game changer for us,” Dan said. “We’re no longer guessing; we’re building with confidence.”
Uma in 2014 (Pre-Refit)
Uma in 2014 (Pre-Refit)
The heart of Dan and Kika’s mission is to prove that fully electric sailing is not a dream for the distant future. It’s achievable today. Their boat is being outfitted with advanced electric systems powered solely by solar and wind, eliminating the need for fossil fuels entirely.
Dan said: “Our goal is to demonstrate that an all-electric boat, built by two people with no formal marine background, can travel to some of the most remote places on Earth.”
The upcoming voyage will mark a world first: a classic boat, fully refurbished and powered only by renewables, sailing off-grid to distant shores. Through this project, they hope to challenge outdated perceptions about electric propulsion and inspire a new wave of sustainable seafarers.
Dan and Kika will be making further announcements on details of the upcoming voyage via their YouTube channel, Sailing UMA very soon. For more information about the range of International® products click here.
