Solar Boat Regatta

2009 Solar Boat Regatta Overview Video

This year's Regatta will be on Saturday May 22, 2010

•	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 2010, the race will take place at Phalen Lake in St. Paul, MN. There is another event (Waterfest 2010) 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.

•	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, 2010)
•	Registration Fee: $50 (April 11–May 1, 2010)

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 at 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, 2010. 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.