The Plastiki Prepares to Set Sail

We recently visited the Plastiki, a 60-foot catamaran composed of recycled plastic, which is being built at San Francisco's Pier 31. Piloted by David de Rothschild, heir to one of Europe's great fortunes, the vessel is supposed to sail 10,000 nautical miles from SF to Sydney, Australia when it debarks in late April or early May. Photos by Peter Jamison