Hey there all solar boats enthusiasts! With the SOLAR SPLASH 2018 event being only 40 days away, we thought we’d provide you with some important updates on the competition!
The 25th Anniversary
2018 marks 25 great years since the SOLAR SPLASH started recruiting teams to build the best solar boats. That is a long time and to commemorate the last 25 years, the executive team at SOLAR SPLASH decided to set a goal of recruiting 25 teams! The last time they updated us, they were on team #17 and the deadline to apply for the competition was April 23rd. So we’re hoping that in the next few days, we will find out whether that goal was reached or not! We know the teams will have a great time regardless of the final results anyways!
New Propeller Rules:
A propeller is a type of fan that transmits energy to the boats. All teams are now required to install and remove said propellers more often than in previous years so as to ensure more access and interactions with the public. According to the SOLAR SPLASH Newsletter, under the new rule, “the only area in which the propellers may be installed on the boats is the Restricted Area near the boat launching area (the Staging, On-deck, and Launching Site areas)” The Restricted Area will be remain separate from the public areas, and only team members with wrist-bands will be allowed in this area. The restricted area will only be used for departure and arrival; no loitering will be allowed.
Additionally, heavy trailers will not be allowed due to safety reasons. Therefore, dollies will have to be used to transport boats to and from the water. A dolly is a light-weight trailer that can be built by the team or bought.
Accommodations
So if you’re going to the competition on June 5-9th and are looking for the best accommodations, Solar Splash has you covered! If you want to be close to the competition then consider joining other teams at the Hampton Inn in Springfield! The Hampton Inn is conveniently located close to the Solar Splash event site; approximately 5 miles down I-70 from the Clark County Fairgrounds.
You can get rooms at the Hampton Inn for $99 for a 2-queen or 1-king room. These include a hot breakfast, free wifi, microwave, and refrigerator in each room. The number of rooms at this rate is limited so reserve early by the May 2 deadline! Reservations may be canceled up to 24 hours prior to arrival.
To make reservations, use the Hampton Inn reservation link on the “Travel and site information” page on the Solar Splash website.
Thanks for reading! Will we be seeing you at the SOLAR SPLASH competition this year? Let us know in the comments below!
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