15-20 june 2009 first Dutch Open Solarboat Challenge

From 15 to 20 June 2009 the first Dutch Open Solarboat Challenge takes place in Zeeland and Flanders. The Solarboat Challenge is a challenging competition for manned vessels on solar energy. Some 40 to 50 national and international teams will take part in the race that consists of several tests and stages on different locations.

International solarboat race

In this international solar boat race a number of different aspects come together: the development of new applications of solar energy, the application of innovative techniques, the cooperation of different companies, training and knowledge centres, project-oriented education and teambuilding, and sustainable water sports.
The entire event is embedded in a competitive setting with Flanders and Zeeland forming the varied décor with their waterways, canals, lakes, locks, bridges, ports and historic towns. 

The Dutch Open Solarboat Challenge is not just a unique event; it also provides a good formula to attract the interest of young people in an eye-catching way to one of the most important challenges of the near future:  the change to sustainable supplies of energy.

Side events

In the scope of the Dutch Open Solarboat Challenge, several side events are also organised. Primary schools can participate in a mini-solarboat race and secondary schools in a gadget race on solar energy, the so called Solar Olympics. At different locations the public will be surprised with special presentations that focus on sustainable energy and water.

Go to page challenge for an overview of the entire programme.

More information on the mini-solarboat race and the Solar Olympics at zonnebootrace.nl . Also for pictures of the 2005 and 2008 solarboat races.

Dutch Open Solarboat Challenge live

During the days of the competition the entire race and all the boats can be followed live via Internet (Geosports).