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22 October 1998 |
Ref 98/249 |
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Hi-tech craft will streak through the water in the second annual Model Solar Boat Challenge on Saturday, held at the Dickson Aquatic Centre (ACT).
The Challenge will be won by the fastest solar-powered boat to cover fifty metres.
The Challenge series will be launched at 11.30 am by ACTEW's Executive Engineer Warren Reeves and CSIRO's Rebecca Scott.
"The solar-powered boat challenge reflects ACTEW's commitment to the development of renewable energy sources and ecologically sustainable development principles," says Warren Reeves.
"ACTEW commends very highly the imagination and ingenuity of the creators of these craft," says Mr Reeves. "Some of the boats are highly sophisticated engineering devices, and others are marvels of improvisation."
According to John Woodland, Coordinator of CSIRO's Double Helix Science Club (ACT), the best of the solar-powered models will be getting close to the speed of the world's champion swimmers.
"Last year's winner took 53 seconds for the fifty metre course, compared to Michael Klim, who can cover the distance in under 23 seconds.
"But in trials for the 1998 Challenge, several entries appeared capable of halving last year's winning time.
"High efficiency solar panels combined with elegant hull design and state-of-the-art propellers will give some of these craft amazing performances on the day," says Mr Woodland.
All entrants in the Challenge must use an identical set of twelve small solar panels. Choice of the configuration, the motor, and the propeller, are left to the designer.
According to Mr Woodland, more than seventy entries have been received, in five classes (Primary, Secondary, College, Open, and Remote Controlled.)
More information from:
John Woodland CSIRO 02-6246 5469 w,02-6255 3362 h
Michelle Heins ACTEW 02-6248 3126 w
(Australia's largest scientific research organisation)
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