Since I started blogging for Victron, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the diverse and interesting global projects (sponsored and otherwise), that Victron Energy are involved with. They range from an innovative power pack for a walking marathon in the Sahara to an off-grid solar and wind energy system in the Antarctic.
To my mind though, you can’t beat a bit of sun and speed! Thanks to Quin Bisset for the sunny Monaco image above.
The other weekend saw the Victron co-sponsored CLAFIS Private Energy Solar Boat Team achieve 1st & 2nd places at the NK Zonnebootrace. These Solar Grand Prix hydrofoil boats also set a new race record maximum speed, but a hair’s breadth away from 25 Knots. Whilst that is certainly not F1 territory, they are going to Monaco in July for the Solar1 world championship event, competing for the Monte Carlo Cup. Prior to that it is the DONG Energy Solar Challenge.
Image courtesy of Quin Bisset.
They say that racing improves the breed. It is in this light that Victron are happy to sponsor these CLAFIS Private Energy built boats and through their association and work with MG Electronics improve that breed. In fact all their A Class and V20 boats use Victron MPPT Solar Charge Controllers.
Sponsorship to my mind is not a one way selfish street, it is more one of symbiosis and mutual benefit for all concerned. Speaking to Gerard van der Schaar of MG Electronics, who runs the CLAFIS Private Energy Solar Boat Team, and Matthijs Vader of Victron Energy, it is quite clear that such racing has resulted in improved products for all. That is what sponsorship is all about. In 2008 this was just a hobby for Gerard. To date this has resulted in MG Electronics success using and selling Victron products, helping improve and enhance them too; not to mention helping boats win races. Congratulations to all involved.
Product improvements aside; as I said you can’t beat a bit of sun and speed. To get an idea of what 25 Knots feels like, when piloting a Solar Grand Prix boat, duck your head in this cockpit eye view video below. The first 30 seconds of footage should do the trick!
If you have a little more time on your hands, here are the best parts of the NK Akkrum endurance race below, kindly compiled by Danny Bokma, from the solar boat team. The Quadcopter footage is terrific.
