Monaco Solar and Electric Boat Challenge
Reviving the spirit of powerboat races in Monaco in 1904 and supporting development of clean energy are the aims of the Monaco Solar & Electric Boat Challenge.
Organised in partnership with the International Powerboat Federation (UIM) and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation by the Yacht Club de Monaco, the event is unique in the Mediterranean. It is also the only contest to bring together on the open sea solar boats and, for the first time, boats whose batteries can be recharged by different sources of electricity.
It’s a chance for engineering students to give free reign to their imaginations in designing and building boats to compete, the aim being to raise awareness of the potential of solar and electricity in the fight against global warming.
22 teams (8 nations) have already signed up. An endurance fleet race, timed slalom course and one-on-one duels are on the programme.
Last year, Dutch team Clafis Victron Energy Solar Boat Team and Dutch Solar Boat won the event for the third year in a row in their respective classes (Open and Challenge A), and Gerhard van der Schaar (Clafis Victron Energy Solar Boat Team) set a new speed record at 49.10 km/h.
New this year is the Monaco Offshore Solar & Electric Race, a first, which will see three boats line up for a 25nm Monaco-Nice-Monaco race to set a reference time. The boats can take three people and meet YCM Offshore Class specifications.
The YCM’s goal is to foster partnerships between universities and respected shipyards.
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