APRIL 2000:  WA's Sole Solar Sailors

The winners of a national design competition are back for more sun and state status as the only entrants from Western Australia in this year's Bayer Solar & Advanced-Technology Boat Race.

Introduced to the race last year by designing the winning solar craft, Willetton Senior High School have refurbished the boat they won as a prize, called it Solar Eclipse and are confident of placing in this year's competition. The students have dedicated months of research and hard work to revolutionising their craft, which is powered by a combination of batteries, electricity and solar power. Set to take place on April 29 in Canberra's Lake Burley Griffin, the race is the highlight of the Australian Science Festival.

Team leader and year 11 Willetton Senior High School student, Simon Hydzik said he and his team are currently working flat out everyday to add the final touches to the boat. A lot of time has also gone into researching and sourcing the latest and greatest technologies.

"The batteries and motor we have purchased are the latest technology. The two deep cycle batteries combined with the force of the motor Ð which is three times more powerful than the one we used last year Ð means we have doubled our average speed from 3.98 to 11.8 kilometres per hour," Simon said.

After months of dedication to the 3.5 x 1.1 metre craft which generates between 4.8 and 5.4 amps at 24 volts, Simon and his team are confident of placing in the Competition Class' of this year's Bayer Solar & Advanced Technology Boat Race.

"There has been so much time and effort put into this project by so many people and as the only representative of Western Australia we hope to be able to do those people, and the State, proud. We are also very grateful to AMCOR who have demonstrated their ongoing commitment to recycling and renewable energy sources by sponsoring us in this year's race," he said.

Mary-Anne Waldren, Executive Director of the Australian Science Festival said, "As pressures on the world's waterways increase, so does the need to develop non polluting energy sources for boats. Competitors in the Bayer Solar & Advanced-Technology Boat Race are linked in their quest to develop environmentally responsible means of water transport, and are at the forefront of alternative technology development.

Aside from innovative competitors and craft, this year's race has attracted world-record-holder - Adventurer and Sailor Jesse Martin who will be starting this year's race.

After completing his record-breaking sail around the world, Jesse noted it had become clear to him that there was a need to use non-polluting fuel sources in the water.

"From what I have experienced over the years I know the damage that is being done to our oceans and I realise how vital it is to come up with energy sources that do not pollute the planet. An initiative like the Bayer Solar and Advanced-Technology Boat Race is a great way to educate and inspire the community to think of alternative fuel sources," he said.

"I look forward to starting the race on April 29 in Canberra and meeting some of the entrants and seeing their innovative craft."

For more information on the Bayer Solar & Advanced-Technology Boat Race please call Alecia Jones on 02 62050588.