Challenge

In short

From 15 to20 June 2009, the first Dutch Open Solarboat Challenge takes place in Zeeland and Flanders. The Solarboat Challenge is a challenging stage race 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.

Stage scheme

The intended race scheme is as follows:

For more detailed information, see Track.

Dutch Open Solarboat Challenge live
During the days of the race the entire race and all the boats can be followed live via Internet (Geosports).

Different Classes
In order to create chances for both the starting school teams and the more experienced top teams from national and international universities, institutes for higher professional and vocational education and companies, the participating teams are divided into four different classes.

The ‘Standard Class’ or S-Class is an entry class for teams from secondary schools in the region. The organisation will provide these teams with a set of four solar panels on loan. 

The A-Class is for vessels with one person on board, equipped with five standard solar panels. These panels are also given on loan by the organisation.

The B-Class is for vessels with two persons on board and equipped with six standard solar panels. These panels are also given on loan by the organisation.

In the ‘Open Class’ maximally eight square meters ( 8m2) of solar panels may be attached to the boats. The panels in this Class are not provided on loan by the organisation. The teams themselves may decide on the type of panels they want to use.

The participating teams and the boats have to meet a number of requirements.  These are described in the regulations. See Regulations for all details.