Dutch astronaut André Kuipers has christened the TU Delt Solar Boat Team's new boat. Cycling is an intrinsic part of Dutch culture and it is precisely this technique that has been used in the new solar boat.
Kuipers was enthusiastic about the solar boat's unique and sustainable characteristics. After he christened the boat and well wishes from the Delft alderman Ferrie Förster, the student's solar boat set out for its first trip through the Delft waters. A succes, as the boat achieved a new speed record: 24 km an hour.
Now that the boat has been christened, the students still has some weeks to train for the Dong Energy Solar Challenge, de World Cup For Solar Powered Boats, which takes place 28 June to 5 July.
Cycling Principle
The boat uses the cycling principle. The solar boat does not have a traditional rudder at the rear, but steers by twisting the forward wing. This system keeps the boat stable as the wings lift the boat from the water.
To prevent the boat from tipping over, the ‘driver’ compensates the boat movements by steering, just like riding a bike. Sailing this way allows for extremely small wings and a water resistance comparable to a human hand in the water. This combined with a weight smaller than 100 kg, gives the boat a top speed of 40 to 45 km an hour.
In April, SWZ Maritime published an extensive article on the new TU Delft Solar Boat. If you are a subscriber or Nautilus/KNVTS member, you can read the article here
