| PlanetSolar Press Release, for immediate distribution June 7, 2014 – Atalayoun (Morocco) PlanetSolar makes a stop in Atalayoun (Morocco) to celebrate the completion of the Marchica lagoon's decontamination!Having departed from Boulogne-sur-Mer (France) on May 25, the solar vessel arrived yesterday in Atalayoun, in the Marchica lagoon (Morocco). The ship's arrival to this location shows the Moroccan authorities' desire to promote the use of renewable energies within the framework of a comprehensive development plan for the Marchica lagoon. Over the course of a week, the catamaran will serve as the central hub for events meant to showcase the progress of this large project. The stopover will also be an opportunity for PlanetSolar to announce her partnership with the agency in charge of the site's development - MarchicaMed. In fact, PlanetSolar will manage a pilot project that aims to power the Marchica harbor master's office completely autonomously and without CO2 emissions. Moreover, MarchicaMed is interested in PlanetSolar's experience and expertise, as they would like to use a fleet of electro-solar boats for lagoon transportation. After 13 days of sailing, the world's largest solar boat dropped anchor on June 6 in Atalayoun, at the heart of the Marchica lagoon. "The first days at sea were rather difficult, with headwinds in high maritime traffic areas such as the English Channel. Fortunately, the weather conditions gradually improved, enabling us to reach speeds of up to 10 knots. We are honored by this invitation and are delighted to participate in the celebration of this beautiful lagoon," says Gérard d'Aboville, captain of the ship. The catamaran's stopover in this area is part of an ambitious development plan of the Marchica lagoon site, started in 2008. The project aims to galvanize the region while protecting and highlighting the lagoon's natural resources and promoting renewable energies. The ship is therefore coming to pass along her positive message about the efficiency of photovoltaic energy and its many applications. The catamaran will stop in the Kingdom of Morocco for about two weeks. Then she will sail towards Monaco to participate in the "Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup" solar boat race, as jury host. The ship will then dash off to Greek waters, and again become a scientific platform for the University of Geneva, this time to study submerged prehistoric landscapes during the "TerraSubmersa" expedition. A week of celebrations for the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar While docked at the Atalayoun North Marina, activities will be organized on and around the ship from June 7-14. Stands will present the Marchica lagoon development plan in detail as well as the work carried out to complete the decontamination. For the younger ones, a workshop for building a model of a small solar boat will be offered. In parallel, the boat will be open to the public, raising awareness about issues regarding the use of renewable energies. 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 and travelling over 60,000 km, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar completed the first solar-powered trip around the world. After undergoing major maintenance operations, the ship left La Ciotat (France) on April 8, 2013 for the American coast to begin her second life, transforming herself into a scientific platform for the "PlanetSolar DeepWater" expedition conducted by the University of Geneva. The ambition of this mission was to collect a continuous series of physical and biological measurements along the Gulf Stream, both in the water and in the air, using advanced instruments. After this success, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar spent the winter in la Cité de la Voile Eric Tabarly in Lorient (France). As part of the museum visit, the boat was opened to the public and schools during her stay. In parallel, maintenance work was carried out. Gérard d'Aboville, captain of the ship during her 2013 campaign, is in charge of the Swiss solar boat again for the 2014 expeditions. He is assisted by Brieuc Delbot (first mate), Antoine Simon (electrical engineer), and Vincent Brunet (cook and steward), also present during her 2013 campaign. Photos available at: PlanetSolar S.A. |
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