Solar boat challenge

Open to Primary and Secondary schools, Tertiary institutions, enthusiasts and commercial interests, the challenge aims to increase awareness and promote environmental and economic sustainability in an exciting and educational manner.

The challenge is divided into two classes - Piloted Boats and Model Boats. The prize pool, totalling more than $15,000 is sure to attract a large number of competitors. The event, held in conjunction with the Penrith City Council's ACTIVATE Day is expected to bring around 10,000 visitors.

Classes include pilot boats and model boats. Piloted Open Challenge and Piloted Secondary School Challenge use single-person solar boats based on International Competition standards. Each boat competes in sprint slalom relay and endurance races. The Primary Model Boat Challenge and Secondary Model Boat Challenge are divided into Wire Guided and Remote Controlled boats.

All education class Challenges have been designed to match the Australian school curriculum and include a design and presentation component.

The prize pool for the Piloted Open Challenge is $10,000. For the Piloted Secondary School Challenge, first prize is a Roland DG sign-making machine (RRP $2,995), the Primary Model Boat Challenge gives the winner a Roland DG STIKA machine (RRP $1,295), and the victor of the Secondary Model Boat Challenge wins a Roland DG STIKA machine (RRP $1,295).

Marcus Adler, Managing Director Roland DG and founding sponsor, said that "Continuing on Roland DG's environmental management philosophy to preserve the environment while maintaining the highest quality standards in products and services, the Solar Boat Challenge is sure to educate school children and the general public on the importance of environmental sustainability in alternative energy sources."

For further details about the race, conditions of entry, prizes, and race partners, please visit www.solarchallenge.com.au.