The Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup in July will be the first time the city has hosted a solar boat world championship event.
25 teams hailing from all over the world will be participating this year. Unfortunately, it doesn’t appear Australia will have a team in the event.
One of the entries is the V20. Built by Dutch naval architect studio Vripack, the V20 is a Wing In Ground Effect Hydrofoil Vessel. The adjustable hydrofoils lift the craft’s hull out of the water and the shape of the deck creates a Wing in Ground (WIG) effect; providing additional lift.
Weighing just 145 kilograms and able to attain speeds of 30 kilometres an hour, the V20 is decked out in 22 flexible MG solar panels with 2390 solar cells.
History is repeating itself in a way for this race. Monaco’s Prince Albert I introduced the first ever powerboat race in 1904 and Prince Albert II will host the next generation – and cleaner – boat race.
Events will focus around the new Yacht Club de Monaco and moored just outside will be Planet Solar: the world’s largest solar-powered vessel. Planet Solar boasts 512 m2 of solar panels – 93.5kW in total – and 6 banks of lithium-ion batteries. The 31 metre long and 15 metre wide catamaran has an average speed of 5 knots (9.25 km/h).
80% of July’s expected visitor population of 700,000 has already booked into high-end luxury accommodation.
“The solar power industry is expanding at such a rapid pace and Solar1 is proud to fill a gap in the market for an event of equal magnitude,” says Sergei Dobroserdov, CEO of Solar1. “The Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup is the first of its kind to unite and represent businesses driving the future of energy.”
Solar1 will also incorporate a conference with international keynote speakers who are leaders in solar and other forms of renewable energy.
