During a test run on the Dutch IJsselmeer for the World Championships in Monaco, one of the hydrofoils of the newest boat of the TU Delft Solar Boat Team has broken off. With nine days to go before the team leaves for Monaco to prepare for the race, their participation is now in jeopardy.
The Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) Solar Boat's tenth generation solar boat is the first specifically designed to sail the open sea. This is done by means of special hydrofoils that lift the hull of the boat completely out of the water so that it can sail over the waves as efficiently as possible.
Left Front Wing Broken off
'For an as yet unknown reason, the left front wing has broken off while sailing. Unfortunately, we were unable to save it and it sank, said Kristian Ruiter, Team Manager. The test run took place on Friday 21 June on the IJsselmeer. 'This was a very emotional moment for the team, but we are determined to solve this together so that in two weeks' time we will be at the start of the World Championships.'
Over the weekend, the team sent divers to the location where the wing sank to look for it. The hope was that finding the wing will offer insight into the cause of its breaking off. In addition, it will be easier to repair the vessel with the wing that has broken off. So far, the divers have been unable to recover the wing.
Further Damage
On Twitter the team has announced more damaged was discovered when fully inspecting the vessel. In addition to the broken off wing, the Solar Boat's propeller has also been severely damaged. The team has said to do its utmost to still be able to participate at the World Championships.
World Record Attempt
The team's goal is to win the Monaco Solar Boat Offshore Challenge that takes place on 5 and 6 July. In addition to these World Championships, the TU Delft Solar Boat Team also wants to set a world record. The team aims to be the fastest solar boat ever to cross the English Channel.
TU Delft Solar Boat Team
The TU Delft Solar Boat Team was established in 2006. In 2019 the team consists of a group of 28 students from ten different faculties of the TU Delft. Until last year, the students participated in races for solar boats on inland waterways. This is the first time that they have taken up the offshore challenge. The team wants to show that much is already possible with sustainable techniques, including on the open sea. Furthermore, this year not just one, but three passengers will be able to sail in the boat. By adding passengers, the team shows that solar energy could be a feasible solution for passenger shipping.
Picture: The team inspects the damage to the boat after the test run.
