Alternative power boat race underway
Speed limits have been temporarily lifted on some Dutch waterways to allow an unusual boat race to take place. The Frisian Solar Challenge is a six-day race for solar-powered craft over a 135-mile course starting and ending in Leeuwarden.
40 teams from eight different countries are taking part in three competing classes, and the fastest boats are expected to reach speeds of nearly 20 mph. Technical success does not come cheaply, however, as evidenced by Dutch private entrant Joop Steenman who says that his boat cost him nearly £100,000 to build.
The leading boats are expected to arrive back in Leeuwarden from 2pm onwards on Saturday 28 June.
Motor Boats Monthly, 24 June 2008
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