Solar Boat Regatta

Volunteers needed!
Click here to sign up.

Saturday May 19, 2012
10am to 4pm

Beach House at Lake Phalen in St Paul

2011 Regatta Photos
2009 Solar Boat Regatta Overview Video

Come and see...

Solar-Powered Boats Competing in:

Speed Races!
Slalom Races!
Endurance Races!

Solar Power Trailer on display

What Is the Solar Boat Regatta?

At the 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 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.

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 held in the following categories:

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

Congratulations 2011 Winners!

Student Boat Competition:

1st Place – Twin Cities by City Academy
2nd Place – Giant Yellow Grape by Orono Middle School

Experimental Class Boat Competition:

1st Place – Solar Eclipse by Roosevelt High School
2nd Place – Water Bug by Orono High School

2011 Website Design Winners:

1st Place Student Website - Orono Schools
2nd Place Student Website - City Academy
3rd Place Student Website - Odyssey Academy

Volunteer

MRES is seeking volunteers who would like a great day outdoors!
If you are interested in volunteering at the Solar Boat Regatta,
you can sign up here by May 15, 2012.

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