A Cool Solar Boat: What Would the Equator Be Like?

[LuvToSail]

Giant solar-powered boat unveiled


Obviously there is more sunlight at the equator but the equator is also the center of the INTERTROPICAL CONVERGENCE ZONE (ITCZ) (An area where the Northern and Southern Hemispheric trade winds and currents converge, usually located between 10 degrees North and South of the equator.)

There is a lot of Thunderstorm activity in this ITCZ as it is the mixing area for the southern and northern winds and currents. I would rather sail the trades to the north or south but a mast/sail would kill (seriously diminish) the effectiveness of the panels with shade.

What would a ride along the equator be like?