Since last Tuesday, September 30th, PlanetSolar II has been sailing the waters of Lake Titicaca — marking a world first: the first solar-powered circumnavigation of the highest navigable lake in the world! The Swiss-flagged vessel is conducting a scientific mission in collaboration with the Binational Authority for the Control of the Lake (ALT), with support from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. The mission includes comparing the efficiency of solar panels at 4,000 meters altitude with that at 400 meters (on Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland), as well as assessing the health of Lake Titicaca — an ecosystem under threat from eutrophication and combustion-engine boating. Oceanographer Xavier Lazzaro is on board, along with Claudio Von Planta, who is filming a documentary. Here are some of his stunning images! PlanetSolar II, which set off from Puno, has just entered the Bolivian waters of the lake, after passing Amantani and Soto Islands. You can follow the journey on our social media channels. Our live map shows the boat’s progress in real time. Full speed ahead!
