It is a tough sailing that awaits Thunberg when the racing boat Malizia II launches from the port of British Plymouth. The trip across the ocean to New York, without a stopover, is expected to take around two weeks.

Greta Thunberg's plans. Photo: TT

If the weather permits, the boat sails this afternoon. The captain is the German racing sailor Boris Herrmann. Also on board are the wealthy sailing enthusiast Pierre Casiraghi, son of Princess Caroline of Monaco, as well as Greta Thunberg's father Svante and documentary filmmaker Nathan Grossman.

Boat for seagoing sailing

Thunberg, who did not want to fly to the UN climate summit on September 23, was attracted by the offer to accompany Malizia II as the sailboat, with the help of solar panels and underwater turbines, offers a Atlantic crossing without carbon dioxide emissions.

Malizia II is equipped with solar panels and underwater turbines, which allow for an emission-neutral journey across the Atlantic. However, the ship has an internal combustion engine that can be used in an emergency. Photo: TT

As the boat is built for offshore sailing under extreme conditions, it lacks basic amenities. The sleeping areas consist of simpler bunks and the supply of freeze-dried and vacuum-packed dishes.

Sabbath year from school

Thunberg has taken a sabbatical from school to travel around the American continents. Alongside the climate summit in New York, she plans to attend demonstrations and meet other activists and those in power.

After visiting Canada and Mexico, the journey continues south by train and bus to Chile's capital Santiago. There, Thunberg will participate in the UN's annual climate conference COP25 in December and then visit other places in South America.