The 30th annual Minnesota Renewable Energy Society (MRES) Solar Boat Regatta is Saturday, May 21 at Riley Lake in Eden Prairie.
The competition features three classes: student, adult and experimental. Trophies are awarded in several categories, including slalom, speed, endurance and design.
High school and middle school students, and members of the Boy and Girl Scouts are invited to enter.
MRES’ partners with teachers to enhance the competitive nature of the event, to expand the number of participating schools, and to expand solar education throughout the year.
Solar boats use the sun’s radiation to create solar energy that powers on-board photovoltaic cells. The boats are designed to use only solar energy and cannot use wind, human or gas engine power.
MRES is a nonprofit organization formed in 1978 to advance a sustainable society. The solar boat regatta is part of its mission to teach boat building skills, basic electric circuit design, as well as creating renewable electric power.
Partners in the regatta include the Eden Prairie chapter of “Let’s Go Fishing,” the Eden Prairie Optimist Club, the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Water Patrol, and the Eden Prairie Parks Department.
For rules or entry information call 612-308-4757 or see MRES’ website at www.solarboatrace.net