About SOLAR SPLASH®
SOLAR SPLASH is the World Championship of intercollegiate Solar/Electric boating. Its official name is "an international intercollegiate solar/electric boat regatta," and it takes place over five days. Technical Inspections are done on the first day, and the remainder of the time is occupied by five on-the-water competitive events. Points are earned in 7 categories starting with Technical reports that are submitted before teams arrive at the competition. On-site competitions include Visual Displays and Workmanship. On-the-water events begin with a Sprint and a Maneuverability qualifier. This is followed by an event called the Solar Slalom, which is a combination of speed and maneuverability. The final days are spent in the Sprint and Endurance events.
SOLAR SPLASH began in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1994. Marquette University hosted the event. In 2000 we moved to New Orleans to drum up interest from more southern teams, and then to Buffalo, New York, from 2001-2005. Solar Splash will be held in Fayetteville, Arkansas on beautiful Lake Fayetteville from 2006-2010. The local community strongly supports the Splash.
SOLAR SPLASH is a practical educational experience, which helps to develop teamwork and inter-disciplinary skills. During the Buffalo years a few highly qualified High School teams joined the Event as a natural educational path from secondary school to college. The Event combines the fun of competition with education in a way that is not a major disruption to the student's academic schedule. An entry can typically be pulled together in one school year at a cost of about $5,000.
If you want to learn more about the Splash, contact Headquarters. Contact information is at the bottom of the home page.