Solar Boats Gather for Race in Monte Carlo

RIB & HSC Sponsor SOLAR Boats Racing at Solar1 in Monte Carlo

Shock Mitigation and the RIB & HSC Directory are official sponsors and media partners with the Solar1 event in Monte Carlo. Solar powered boats from all over the world are set to battle it out over two days in the first truly green solar powered boat world championship. From July 10-12, 2014 the historic Yacht Club de Monaco is hosting the Solar1 event, competing for the Monte Carlo Cup.

Developed by universities all over the world and driven by young students, this race is destined to be a significant future facing sport. Solar1 promises to deliver a fantastic display of skill, using boats powered purely by the sun. John Haynes, founder of the RIB and High Speed Craft Directory, said, “We are very interested in all evolving technologies that could benefit the professional maritime sector. Buoyage around commercial ports is already using solar power and the unmanned craft (UAV) sector see solar as a viable power source. RIB & HSC are proud to support the team at Solar1 with this bold and innovative event.”

The clean technologies involved in solar powered boats have a positive impact by helping to protect the oceans. With the environment at its core, the Solar1 race perfectly complements Monaco’s ecological values. The Yacht Club de Monaco is renowned for its internationally recognized events. Racing is in its DNA and although steeped in history, Monaco’s legacy has never stopped it looking to the future.
Sergei Dobroserdov, CEO of Solar1 said, “The solar power industry is expanding at such a rapid pace that it was crying out for an event of equal magnitude to unite and represent its stakeholders. Not only do solar boat enthusiasts have an unrivalled opportunity to display their engineering talents, but the exciting thing is that they can also compete equally well with both the vertically integrated energy companies and ambitious young students.”

While this is not the first solar race to take place worldwide, it will be the first time many will race in the open waters of the Mediterranean. Marnix Hoekstra, Director of Solar 1 technical partner Vripack, who witnessed solar boats take to the waters of Monaco for the first time during the race trials, said, “It is incredible to see these boats fly across the water. We organized sea trials in Monaco last August that left us in no doubt that solar boats are capable and seaworthy enough for tough races! Understanding how they work is all part of the education process which we aim to integrate into this event.”

As a location Monaco can undoubtedly deliver thrilling and exciting sporting events. Its commitment to sustainable development and projects aiming to protect the environment mean that it is the perfect fit for Solar1 races. Slalom, Fleet and the most exciting One On One races will take place in front of Port Hercules and in Larvotto Bay. It will be a fantastic spectacle racing around courses based on those proposed at the beginning of the last century.

John Haynes is an Associate Fellow of The Nautical Institute, Yachtmaster Ocean, Advanced Powerboat Instructor. His article, ‘Innovative Propulsion Systems for Fast Craft,’ features in the July edition of Marine News. Subject matter expertise includes high speed craft consultancy, product development and specialist training. He is Operations Director of Shock Mitigation and founder of the RIB & High Speed Craft Directory that brings together specialist boats and equipment for the professional sub IMO sector ribandhsc.com