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This event open to all ages and abilities will serve to show that the sun is a valuable and limitless resource. What's more it should be great fun! It's hoped the event will be subdivided by ability and will have model boats whizzing about.
All entrants will use identical Plugging-into-the-Sun® flexible solar cells (for lease or sale). The number of cells on a boat will depend on the race category entered. Choice of configuration like hull design, motor and propeller are left to the designer.
Boats will have lane guides to provide automatic navigation. A rescue rowing boat will keep watch for any boat that succumbs to the elements - there is no submarine category! We're hoping to have individuals and teams covering a full range of abilities entering the race, from primary school children to engineering students (and lecturers?). The solar cells are not only flexible, waterproof and virtually unbreakable, but they also work in diffuse light, so even if it's cloudy the boats may be a little slower but they should still have no problem crossing the lake. We're also hoping to see a full range of boat design from those using plastic bottles and tape to purpose built racing boats. We're even going to have a kit form of a solar boat available so anybody just turning up on the day can enter a special category and get involved and see solar power in action. For those interested in the event, the rules and/or a chat please email John Grant:j.f.grant@shu.ac.uk OR David Garlovsky: david@pluggingintothesun.org.uk
See a radio-controlled PV boat |
catamaran