Solar Power Challenge                                Author Kieron McGeever             Last update: 21/11/2007 21:11:21

Boat Regulations

1. All races will be run in the recognised tank which will be orientated North to South.

2. The maximum length of the boat shall not exceed 550 mm

3. The maximum width of the boat shall not exceed 300 mm including any methods of propulsion such as paddle wheels or oars.

4. The boat must be fitted with stiff wire loops to fit loosely over the guide wire that keeps the boat on a straight line whilst going down the tank.

5. Only the solar cells can be used to power the boat

6. Only one motor can be used and a maximum of three solar cells are allowed per boat.

7. Only one propeller or water screw is allowed per boat but no limit is put on the size of them and any numbers of paddle wheels or oars are allowed.

8. No commercially produced boat hulls are allowed and all boats must be constructed by the contestants who enter them.

9. No batteries are allowed but capacitors may be used in the electrical circuit.

10. The solar cells and motors must be fitted to the hull in such away as not to be a danger to the operator or other contestants and the solar cells must not be able to fall off into the water.

11. The winner of each category will be the boat deemed by the judges to have covered the length of the tank in the shortest time and to have adhered to the rules. In the event of a tie the tying boats will take part in a best of three lengths of the tank going in alternate directions all other races will take place in the same direction.

12. In the event of any dispute the decision of the senior judge is final and the decision will be based on fairness and the guiding principles of friendly competition.