Solar Boat Regatta making a splash with renewables: Compete, volunteer, or attend on May 19

What is a Solar Boat Regatta, you ask? At the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) Solar Boat Regatta teams demonstrate knowledge of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to design and build boats powered by the sun. They compete in a number of races, culminating with a one-hour endurance race! This year’s event is taking place on May 19th, 2012 from 10am to 4pm at the beach house at Lake Phalen in St. Paul. The Solar Boat Regatta is looking for teams and volunteers (and of course people who just want to come watch)!

This event has given hundreds of junior and senior high school students valuable and unique experience with solar electricity, wiring, motors, fluid dynamics, boat design, construction, and teamwork. By racing the solar powered boat that they have built, students experience the thrill of competition and the pride of accomplishment that comes with creating something useful and fun. MRES partners with teachers and teacher organizations to enhance the competitive nature of the event, expanding the number of schools participating, and extending solar education throughout the school year. Family, friends, and the general public are welcome to attend the Solar Boat Regatta to cheer on their favorite boat.

Some of last year's fierce competitors

About the boats and competitions:

A solar boat makes use of the sun’s radiation. The solar energy must be received exclusively by on-board transducers (photovoltaic cells). On-board storage and conversion into intermediate forms of energy (electric energy storage in batteries) are permitted. The boats must not be designed to use forms of energy other than solar—no wind, no human power, no gas engine power, no additional batteries, and no additional PV cells.

  • Student Class: Grades 7–12
  • Adult Class: Individuals or groups not associated with a school
  • Experimental/Exhibition Class: Boats that exceed the criteria listed in the Rules.

Competitions are held in the following categories.

  • Slalom, Speed, Endurance, and weather permitting, Solar-Only races
  • Website Design
  • Creative Design

Click here for details, registration info, rules, and more >>

A bright, cheery team from last year

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