Popular Science: 100 years ago, ‘ghost ship’ sails baffled Einstein—now they’re making a comeback

From my What a Difference a Century Makes—or Not column on Pop Sci

Could a high school math teacher’s 1920s invention make shipping greener?

On the rough and icy waters of the North Sea in 1925, an unusual vessel plowed its way from Danzig, Poland, to Leith, Scotland, marking a first in maritime history. This maiden voyage was historic not for its distance but for the vessel’s ingenuity: Its simple design even impressed Albert Einstein, who later wrote an essay dedicated to its significance.

“Denuded of all sails, masts, and riggings,” wrote G. B. Seybold, reporting for Popular Science, the 177-foot-long steel schooner was propelled by nothing more than “two strange cylinders, resembling giant smoke-stacks. But no smoke was pouring from them and no engine noise was heard. Like a ghost ship, it moved mysteriously through the water with no apparent means of propulsion..."

100 years ago, ‘ghost ship’ sails baffled Einstein—now they’re making a comeback

Many thanks to Sarah Durn, Popular Science Associate Editor.

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