For the second year running, the Yacht Club de Monaco is set to host this contest for competitive solar-powered boats, designed and driven by students from international universities.
Around 30 entrants from a dozen nationalities are expected in the bay of Port Hercule, one hundred years after the first motor-boat competitions were held here. The gathering puts the spotlight on a long-established maritime tradition of innovation and commitment by the Principality and its Yacht Club to be a key player in the environmental protection field. History is repeating itself with the Yacht Club’s President, Prince Albert II, who wants to encourage a new generation of revolutionary boats that are more respectful of the marine environment. In the same spirit, Pierre Casiraghi, YCM Vice-President wanted to participate and is closely following the construction of a boat that he will drive himself.
“We at Solar1 love innovations and try to support them as much as we can. Last year we had a huge success with the first Solar1 Monte-Carlo Cup with 25 teams participating and almost 300 team members who came to Monaco from all over the world. Thanks to the Yacht Club de Monaco, we have the opportunity to continue this year and organise the latest in solar racing! Monaco is a pioneer in giving the new generation such an opportunity, while at the same time communicating the importance of renewable energy sources to preserve our planet,” comments Sergei Dobroserdov, Director of Solar1 and the man who initiated the project.
For three days these ‘green’ boats will participate in an original world championship with a slalom course, fleet race and one-on-one sprints between boats that give the impression of flying over the water, and are capable of speeds up to 30 knots – powered only by the sun.
Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco, says: “It seems to me essential that we encourage any initiative in favour of the future of our industry. This technology being developed by a new generation of engineers suggests it could soon be applied to leisure boats, including the biggest yachts. A promising message for the future…”
Programme (pending modifications)
Wednesday 8th July:
Boats will start arriving and registering from 10.00am when the “Boat Paddock” opens.
Thursday 9th July:
End of boats registering
Friday 10th July:
9.00am all day – Paddocks and Solar Village open to the public
11.00am to 4.00pm – Fleet Races
Saturday 11th July:
9.00am all day – Paddocks and Solar Village open to the public
10.00am to 12.30pm – Slalom Races
1.30pm to 4.30pm – One on One Championship sprint races
5.00pm to 6.00pm – Winners speed record setting
