| WELCOME |
| NEWS |
| OBJECTIVES |
| PHILOSOPHY |
| ROUTES |
| THE BOAT |
| THE TEAM |
| HOST CITIES |
| BOARD |
| SPONSORSHIP |
| PARTNERS |
| SPONSORING |
| CONTACTS |
| REVUE DE PRESSE |
| PRESS ZONE |
| SPONSORS ZONE |
| EN | FR | DE |
OBJECTIVES
PlanetSolar, the first solar-powered round-the-world voyage
PlanetSolar's objective is to achieve the first round-the-world sea voyage powered by solar energy. The attempt will be made on board a revolutionary 30-meter long trimaran covered with 180 square meters of photovoltaic solar panels. The first solar-powered round-the-world attempt — scheduled for 2010 — will run from East to West, along an equatorial route.
PlanetSolar is committed to sustainable development and is particularly motivated by the necessity to develop alternatives to fossil fuels; which are in limited supply and causing measurable negative environmental impact.
The PlanetSolar project was founded in Switzerland on the shores of Lake Neuchatel, through the vision of the Swiss adventurer, Raphaël Domjan. The project has brought together an international team of physicists, engineers, boat builders and a variety of people who all realize the importance of renewable energies and environmental protection. Raphaël Domjan will be the boat's co-skipper alongside the famous French sailor Gérard d'Aboville. PlanetSolar's ambition is to be a symbolic step towards a better world.
«During our round-the-world attempt, we will have to manage whatever energy nature gives us,» explains Raphaël Domjan. «We will have to constantly optimize our route and speed in line with the available sunshine and the medium-range weather forecast. No-one has ever undertaken such a task.» 3
The project's philosophy another approach to the World
The PlanetSolar crew has a united goal: to be the first to circumnavigate the globe in a «solar» boat, i.e. one powered by a silent, pollution-free electrical engine, driven exclusively by solar energy.
This unprecedented endeavour, aimed notably at promoting hybrid vehicle technology, should help to bring about a change in mindsets. If it succeeds, it will spawn technological developments in many fields, such as the manufacture of composite materials and structures or the generation and storage of photovoltaic energy (or electricity).
Our society is dependent on fossil fuels which are in limited supply and which are causing measurable negative effects on the earth's atmosphere. Within the current context of greenhouse gas taxes designed to promote a greater respect for the environment, as well as the relentless rise in oil prices, it is now time to demonstrate the potential that renewable energies have to offer in the area of mobility. Preserving our planet — by promoting solar energy, energy efficiency and sustainable mobility — is therefore what this project is all about. This represents a tremendous opportunity to inform the general public and heighten their awareness of the importance of renewable energies.
Time Line: