PlanetSolar arrives in Boston

June 24, 2013 - Fan Pier Marina, Boston (United States)

PlanetSolar arrives in Boston!

After Miami and New York, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar reached Boston on June 22 with scientists from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) onboard. The researchers are sailing on the largest solar boat ever built in order to successfully carry out the 'PlanetSolar DeepWater' expedition, which aims to analyze the Gulf Stream, one of the most important regulators of European and North American climates. To mark the third leg of the American tour, the PlanetSolar and UNIGE teams will strengthen their interaction with important institutions such as the Boston Children's Museum, the Boston Museum of Science, the Greentown Labs, the MIT Energy Club and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, and will offer a series of events to raise public awareness about climate issues. Stopover from 22 to 27 June 2013.

The capital of Massachusetts is recognized in particular for its research programs in the fields of technology and oceanography, and many institutions are heavily involved in sustainable development. PlanetSolar and UNIGE have the opportunity to communicate the stakes of the 'DeepWater' expedition by organizing a series of events with support from Swissnex Boston. For example, children will be able to participate in the construction of a model solar boat at a workshop at the Boston Children's Museum; public conferences will be held with researchers from UNIGE, the MIT Energy Club, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute; a temporary exhibition will be displayed at the Boston Science Museum, etc.

'This project fits perfectly with our University's missions: education, research, and service to the community. Geneva is the birthplace of global governance, therefore her involvement in such an adventure was inherent. In fact, at the heart of the city of Calvin, international organizations and key decision makers are addressing the challenges of climate change', says Jean-Dominique Vassalli, rector of UNIGE.

The 'PlanetSolar DeepWater' scientific expedition will continue along the east coast

Launched in Florida at the beginning of the month, the 'PlanetSolar DeepWater' exhibition seeks to collect a continuous series of physical and biological measures along the Gulf Stream, both in the water and in the air, using advanced instruments with the expertise of UNIGE scientists. Headed by Professor Martin Beniston, climatologist and director of the Institute of Environmental Sciences at UNIGE, the research team is studying the key parameters of climate regulation, namely aerosols and phytoplankton, in order to improve our understanding of complex interactions between the ocean and atmosphere, as well as the role these interactions play in climate change.

After the Boston stopover, the boat will continue its route along the Gulf Stream until reaching St-John's, Canada. Then, the catamaran will set out to conquer the northernmost part of the Atlantic.

About PlanetSolar

The MS Tûranor PlanetSolar, built in Kiel, Germany, is a catamaran powered exclusively by solar energy. On May 4, 2012, after sailing for 584 days, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar completed the first solar-powered trip around the world.

For her 2013 expeditions, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar underwent major maintenance operations. The most significant optimization was related to the propulsion system—the surface propellers were replaced by a completely immerged system. Moreover, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar's crew is comprised of: Gérard d'Aboville (Captain), Andrew Mikkelsen (Second), Antoine Simon (electrical engineer), Hugo Buratti (seaman and steward), and Vincent Brunet (steward). During the 'PlanetSolar DeepWater' expedition, the UNIGE scientific team rounds out the crew.

After leaving Las Palmas (Spain) on April 26, 2013, the catamaran reached St. Martin (French West Indies) 22 days later. The MS Tûranor PlanetSolar therefore broke her own world record speed for a solar-powered transatlantic crossing, set in 26 days during her trip around the world in 2010.

In order to fund the 2013 campaign, PlanetSolar SA is supported by the University of Geneva, Ciel électricité, Switcher, the Swiss AOC-IGP Association, Younicos, Plantbacter, Actides, GoPro, Jean-René Germanier SA, BCCC Attorneys-at-Law, Tempur, Hempel, Présence Suisse, Energissima, l'UIM, YELLO, and Waste Free Oceans.

About the University of Geneva

Founded in 1559 by Jean Calvin and Théodore de Bèze, the University of Geneva (UNIGE) is now the second largest 'Haute École' in Switzerland, and ranks among the top 100 universities in the world. Crown jewel of the Calvin community, the institution enjoys a privileged international reputation and cultivates its openness to the world. UNIGE welcomes approximately 16,000 students each year to its eight colleges, dealing with the essential domains of science, medicine, literature, economic and social sciences, law, theology, psychology, education, translation, and interpretation sciences. UNIGE has three missions: education, research, and service to the community. Additionally, UNIGE has been a member of the League of European Research Universities (LERU) since 2002. The University of Geneva would like to thank the Wright Foundation, the Henri Moser Foundation, and a generous anonymous donor for their support for the PlanetSolar DeepWater scientific campaign.

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PlanetSolar SA
Phone: +41 79 547 42 14 or +41 78 724 48 31
E-mail : press@planetsolar.org
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University of Geneva
Phone: +41 76 401 75 45
E-mail : media@unige.ch
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