Solar Boat Racing Launches in Monaco

From the 10^th to 12^th July solar racing takes to open water in the Med, when the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup will be launched from the spectacular Norman Foster-designed Monaco Yacht Club.    

On the 11^th and 12^th of July, 26 teams from around the world will race off Port Hercule in solar-powered boats weighing around only 90 kilos, which will ‘fly’ over the water on hydrofoils.

This is adrenaline, speed and sport…without a drop of fuel spent. 

This is not a low-key event: EuroSport will broadcast it to millions and many thousands are expected to line the ports, restaurants and yachts of Monaco to watch the boats skim across the water.

The race is supported by the President of the Monaco Yacht Club, HRH Prince Albert of Monaco, who says, “It is up to us to show creativity, initiative and drive to develop new projects, like the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup.”

The Solar1 Cup is the creation of Sergei Dobroserdov, CEO of Nahkimov Super Yachts.

‘Solar1 races was created to promote the use of solar power in our everyday lives, which I strongly believe in. I see it as a great opportunity to animate and excite a new generation, whilst also focusing their attention on important issues such as renewable energy. I would like our future to be clean, economical and sustainable.  Solar1 moves us all towards a greener, brighter future!’ 

This event is not just about the boats; it’s about raising awareness of solar power vehicles in general- there will also be solar powered cars on display, conferences and a ‘Solar Village’, as well as a party aimed at attracting the young to this vibrant new technology. 

The teams have been working furiously to build and test their boats before transporting them to Monaco from as far afield as Brazil, China and the US. 

There’s been some problems along the way: boats that won’t ‘fly’, design flaws and stability issues, but adjustments have been made and challenges met.  Now they are ready to race.

Each day will have three races: slalom, fleet, and one-on-one sprint.  Participating boats will be separated into three classes: Challenge A Class, Open Class (open to all sizes, propulsion methods and innovations) and V20 Class, which are available to purchase via Solar1.

The Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup 2014 is not only the first Solar Boat World Championship- it is so much more! There will be a  Solar Conference on Thursday 10^th July and a miniature Kids' Solar Race in the Yacht Club swimming pool.

In addition to this they are pleased to welcome MS Turanor Planet Solar, CUER Cambridge University’s solar car and NUON Tu Delft University’s solar car for all to see in the paddock area. This display of solar boats, solar cars, teams and enthusiasts provides the perfect opportunity to admire and talk to some of the finest minds of the present and future. Whilst also getting to meet and greet the pilots.

In Monaco next week, Solar1 will bring together experts and enthusiasts from the worlds of solar power, green technology and competitive sport.  It sounds like an explosive mix.