Race 2021 - TU Delft Solar Boat Team

We are competing in the Open Sea Class of the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge. This spectacular challenge welcomes students and professionals from across the world to race in several classes with sustainable powered boats.

In order to win, we need to get the highest score over a total of three race sections: maneuverability, sprint and endurance. To be as relevant as possible for the maritime industry, we will put our focus on endurance challenge of the race. We need to cover the largest distance within 6 hours. This is a big challenge, so it is essential that our boat sails super efficient and is seaworthy.

Daily updates

DAY 1 – 8th of july

Today it was time for the first competition! During the manoeuvrability race, we performed the required 5 manoeuvres: docking at port and starboard, making a 360 degree turn, sailing backwards between two quays and grabbing a line from a buoy. We used 100 grams of hydrogen and set a time of 8 minutes 44 seconds! This was not the fastest time in the competition unfortunately. But we are proud of the team’s performance in the manoeuvrability race with our hydrogen boat that is actually designed for the endurance race. This will take place upcoming Saturday!

We also did flight testing during the sea trials this afternoon. We managed to fly stable for a short while. The waves were much higher than we are used to in the Netherlands, so based on the test we could make some adjustments to the gains of the height control system to be able to fly more stable during the races.

DAY 2 – 9th of July

After a good start of the 16 Nautical Mile coastal race, it became a tough second day of racing. Unfortunately, our boat was badly damaged, because it hit the water hard during the race. Subsequently, the boat could not sail anymore due to a problem with the so-called wizard box: this is an important electronic part that regulates the voltage. It is still unclear what caused this. The three pilots were evacuated to the safety boats according to standard safety protocols. The boat was then towed back to port.

The team is touched but after a good team meeting we started working hard to investigate the cause and damage of the situation. We are currently looking at whether a repair is possible. If the electrical system is repairable, our team members will roll up their sleeves to get the boat ready for the race tomorrow! We really want to sail the long-distance race! Tomorrow we will make the decision with the whole team whether the boat can go on the water safely and in working order. Safety always remains a priority!

DAY 3 – 10th of July

Last night, with the whole team present, we worked very hard to locate and fix the problem with the wizard box. This box is one of the most complex electrical systems in our boat. Unfortunately we did not have the resources right now to repair the boat here in Monaco and therefore could not compete in the world championships anymore.

Our team is very disappointed and we feel very sad that we can’t do the race, but we have each other’s support and pride overshadows all sorrow. As a team we are very resilient. Despite not being able to sail the race, we are standing here in Monaco as a great strong team. Together, we have created the world’s first flying hydrogen boat with our project Hydro Motion. We have proven more than was ever expected. We are very proud of our team, the flying hydrogen boat and thank everyone who contributed to this achievement.

Proud, disappointed and together as one team: our never-to-be-forgotten adventure at the World Championships in Monaco. Experience it for yourself with this video.