The very first Solar1 Monte-Carlo Cup will be hosted by Port Hercule, a lovely Monaco yacht charter destination, positioned in the Western Mediterranean, in less than two months, running from July 9 to 12, 2014. Representing the first solar-powered boat race, the event is organised by Solar1 and the Yacht Club de Monaco, who are excited to announce an influx of newcomers as the closing date for entries is approaching. 29 international teams have now registered, some coming from as far afield as Brazil and the USA.
Monaco Sea Trials ahead of the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup 2014
Most of the boats entered have been designed and built by engineering students from international universities committed to promoting solar power as a credible source of energy for the future.
Some teams from major engineering institutions, like the Antwerp Maritime Academy (Belgium), the Carnegie Mellon Solar Racing Team (USA) and the Solarboot Team Emden (Germany) have been pushing solar technology boundaries since the mid-2000s.
Others like the Solar Team Lindenborg from the Netherlands are new to the challenge. They face some very experienced high performance teams such as Private Energy Solar Boat (Netherlands) and Vento Sul (Brazil), five-time champion of the Brazilian Solar Challenge.
Within the new V20 class, Solar1 have also attracted – Synergy Team Powered by Beluga, whom will race for the first time in their brand new V20, rivalling against the Monaco based team piloted by Pierre Casiraghi.
“It is immensely satisfying for us to see such enthusiasm and sends a strong message for the future: once again the new generation is showing us its desire and determination to develop technologies to preserve our environment,” comments Bernard d’Alessandri, General Secretary of the Yacht Club de Monaco.
Scheduled to take place from 9th to 12th July 2014, the Solar1 Monte-Carlo Cup promises to be a highlight of the Yacht Club’s summer nautical calendar and comes barely a month after the opening of the YCM’s new building (20th June).
Some of the world’s most famous brands and company’s are proud to have their name associated with Solar1. The famous Fondation Prince Albert II of Monaco is amongst the abundance of collaborators, to express their joy of this new and green event-taking place in the principality as well as the direction du tourism et des congress.
Solar1 has really attracted a large amount of support, to name a few they have confirmed, Eurosport as the Official Media Sponsor, Hill Dickinson the Official Legal Sponsor, Ortso the Official Timing Sponsor, Fairmont Monte Carlo as the Official Hospitality Sponsor, Green TV the Official Online Media Sponsor, Boat International as the Official Super Yacht Media Sponsor, Wajer & Wajer the Official Tender Sponsor, Super Yacht Times Solar1’s Media Sponsor, Sun Factory as the Official Solar Panel Provider, Vripack the Official Technical Partner, Enphase Energy as an Event Sponsor.
While there may be other solar boat races, the Solar1 Monte-Carlo Cup is the first competition held on the open sea. Divided into three classes (Class A, V20 and Open Class), competitors face three challenges held on the sea in front of Port Hercule and in Larvotto Bay: a Fleet Race round two buoys, a Slalom Race and finally the thrilling One-on-One Sprint Championship races between two buoys.
Three days of festivities are planned to raise awareness among as many people as possible of the progress made in solar energy and affirm Monaco’s position as a centre of excellence in yachting and technologies for nautical industries. Exactly 110 years after the first powerboat meetings, when the world’s industrialists flocked to the Principality to present their latest developments in engine technology, the story continues.
Glossary
Class A: single crew boats, max length 6m with four standard solar panels limited by a maximum power output of 1750WP.
V20 from Solar1’s technical partner the Dutch firm Vripack: a new class. As with Formula 1 cars, this is a one-design class but teams can add innovative extras like foils, propellers or larger or lighter batteries to make the difference.
Open Class: single crew boats, max length 8m with no limitation on solar panel power output. Teams are free to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation to the limit.
Provisional Programme (note: may be subject to change)
Wednesday 9th July 2014
From 10.00: Boats start arriving and registering and the “Boat Paddock” opens.
10.00 to 14.00: Solar power conference
Thursday 10th July 2014
15.00: Team Parade
17.00: Press Conference
Friday 11th July 2014
From 09.00: Paddocks and Solar Village open to the public – free entry
11.00 to 16.00: Fleet Races
Saturday 12th July 2014
09.00 all day: Paddocks and Solar Village open to the public
10.00 to 12.30: Slalom Races
11.00 to 13.00: Kids Solar Model Boat Race
13.30 to 16.30: One on One Championship sprint races
