|
 17th
Annual Solar Boat Regatta
See photos from this year's regatta.
The Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES)
and Great River Energy are pleased to announce the 17th Annual Solar
Boat Regatta!
www.SolarBoatRace.net
Saturday, May 16, 2009
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Beach at Phalen Park, Wheelock Parkway and Phalen Drive, St. Paul,
MN
Map (PDF) | Google
Map
|
•
|
Solar-Powered Boats Competing
in Speed, Slalom, and Endurance
|
|
•
|
Energy Projects
|
|
•
|
Solar
Power Trailer
|
 What
Is the Solar Boat Regatta?
MRES' Solar Boat Regatta provides an opportunity
for middle and high school students (as well as individual boat
builders) to build a boat that runs on solar power. They compete
in a number of races, culminating with a one-hour endurance race.
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 put together, 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.
For 2009, the race will take place at Phalen
Lake in St. Paul, MN. There is another event (Waterfest 2009) happening
on the same day on this lake and we hope to increase attendance
and interest in our event by sharing the lake. Waterfest is happening
down the shoreline, so it will not affect the Regatta.
Family, friends, and the general public are
welcome to attend the Solar Boat Regatta to cheer on their favorite
boat.
 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.
In 2009 there will be three classes:
|
•
|
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.
|
Trophies will be awarded in the following
categories:
|
•
|
Slalom, Speed, Endurance, and
weather permitting, Solar-Only races
|
|
•
|
Website Design
|
|
•
|
Creative Design
|
 Registration
|
•
|
Registration Fee: $25 (through
April 10, 2009)
|
|
•
|
Registration Fee: $50 (April 11–May
1, 2009)
|
Register
Online: Submit an Online Registration Form
Register
by Mail or E-mail: Download a Registration Form (PDF)
Solar Panel Loaners
MRES has four solar photovoltaic panels available
to borrow, free of charge, on a first come, first serve basis. This
substantially reduces the cost of constructing a boat for the race.
MRES will work with you in any possible way so you, your students,
and school can enjoy the fun and excitement of this yearly event!
You may also learn more about the Solar Boat
Regatta in the MRES Connect
To The Sun exhibit.
Please call (612) 308-4757 or submit an online Contact Us form with any
other questions you may have about this event.
Volunteer
MRES is seeking volunteers who would like a
great day outdoors! If you are interested in volunteering at the
Solar Boat Regatta, please contact
us by May 9, 2009. Please include your availability and volunteer
interests in the "Ask a Question or Make a Comment" box
at the bottom of the Contact
Us form.
|
Available Volunteer
Opportunities
|
•
|
Volunteer and Racer Registration
|
|
•
|
Set-Up Team (flags, buoys, PA system,
tables, banners)
|
|
•
|
Team "Dock" Assistants
|
|
•
|
Finish Line Observers/Reporters
|
|
•
|
Boat Inspectors
|
|
•
|
Food Service
|
|
•
|
Race Lap Counters
|
|
•
|
Trophy Award Assistants
|
|
•
|
Take-Down Team
|
Volunteer Time Slots
|
•
|
Set–up: 7:00–9:00
a.m.
|
|
•
|
Event: 9:00–11:00 a.m.
|
|
•
|
Event: 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
|
|
•
|
Event: 1:00–3:00 p.m.
|
|
•
|
Event/Take Down: 3:00–5:00 p.m.
|
|
 More
Information
More information on the 2009 Solar Boat Regatta
is available in the PDF documents below:
Press Release (coming
soon)
Flyer
Overview
Registration
Form
Rules
Required
Items
Release
and Waiver of Liability and Indemnity Agreement
Invitation
to Educators
Volunteer
Opportunities
Phalen
Park Map
Questions?
For questions about the Solar Boat Regatta,
contact the Minnesota Renewable Energy Society at regatta@mnRenewables.org or (612) 308-4757.
Sponsors
|
