MONACO, July 4, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The 11th Monaco Energy Boat Challenge is going to the heart of the Yacht Club de Monaco. More than 450 students from over 40 universities from all over the world (25 nations) have been working all year on their “boat of tomorrow” projects to earn their place and present them in the Principality. “Basically, we have three different categories: Energy Class, where we provide all the teams with the same hull and they have to develop their own cockpit for the driver, the energy storage and the engine. We have a lot of battery energy, fuel cell energy with hydrogen and also other energy sources. Then we have the Solar Class, where we have a lot of solar panels, more than 9 square meters of them. The third category is the Open Sea Class, a certified class of boats built by the industry that compete in several activities to show which is the fastest, the most maneuverable and the one with the best efficiency,” explained Jeremy Laguarrigue, chairman of the competition’s jury. In terms of numbers, there are 18 teams in the energy class, 13 teams in the solar class and 15 in the offshore class.
For the first time, the University of Cambridge’s Riviera Racing team is taking part. “We got the hull that is standard for all teams and we went for hydrogen propulsion, electricity and then two pods on the back of the boat,” said Annabel Gray. “It’s very daunting to see all the teams but they have all been incredibly helpful. There is such a great culture of helping each other out when we have a few different problems. It’s just been incredible so far.” In the Open Sea Class, the Riva El-Iseo stands out on the quay: “We are very excited to be taking part in the Monaco Energy Boat Challenge for the second year in a row. El-Iseo is an all-electric Riva, the first boat from Riva and the Ferretti Group with an all-electric propulsion system, which opens up a new segment in the yachting business: we called it e-luxury. It is the first fully Rina-certified boat with an all-electric propulsion system with no emissions. “The boat is already available on the market and is aimed not only at those who follow an ecological approach but also at those who have access to limited waters,” said Enrico Sgarbi, Communications Director of the Ferretti Group.
Supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, UBS, BMW and SBM Offshore, the event has attracted the attention and support of well-known names in the industry such as Monaco Marine, Oceanco, Ferretti Group, Azimut/Benetti Group, Sanlorenzo and Lürssen, all of whom are keen to be part of the transformation of yachting. So, for these young participants, there are opportunities to get in touch with the industry by applying for job opportunities and internships through the Job Forum.
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