The interest for the construction of the solar boats grows at a small scale

A couple of months ago we were talking about the first solar sailing race at the Balearic Islands which was organized at Parc de la Mar at Palma and where a total of ten teams constructed their own solar radio control ships, now we have to see how this interest extends through the Balearic Islands and at the summer schools to the younger generation.

A total of six teams have participated in the Tecnoestiu 2023 of Menorca and Ibiza developing and constructing their own solar vessels. A prototype that they have tested successfully at the facilities of the Hotel Twiins at Platja d’en Bossa, at Ibiza, and the exteriors of FabLab of the CentreBit Menorca at Alaior.

The Tecnoestiu 2023, a totally free activity that took place from the 3rd until the 21st of July, has the objective to train and gather the young sea lovers to  the methods and the digital fabrication techniques of the FabLabs, with a special focus on the design and 3D impression, electric prototypes and digital electronic program systems.

In the last part of the journey, they tested the floatability, management and solar load capacity of the prototypes, since one of the fundamental requirements of this nautical challenge is the use of solar panels.

A total of 32 youngsters have participated in this exciting challenge to construct electric boats impulsed by solar energy. Through the application of the active methods taught and focus on “learning by doing”, the youngsters were able to address issues such as the Arduino programmation, solar electronic, electronic prototype and the 3D modeling, this challenge was based on the capabilities of learning to experiment and develop.

This solar fleet was constructed by the young participants not only were they permitted to acquire acknowledgement and capabilities of 3D impression, electronics and communication, but also they have been aware of the sufficient energy.