Students from 46 Southland schools competed in event, nation's largest solar-boat competition
Solar-powered boats built and raced by students from Savanna High School in Anaheim and Oak Park High School in Oak Park today captured the top awards at the ninth annual Solar Cup competition sponsored by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and local water agencies.
The schools were among the 40 teams from Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego and Ventura counties participating in the seven-month program in which students build, equip and race the 16-foot, single-seat canoes powered only by the sun.
The three-day event was held at Metropolitan's Lake Skinner reservoir in the Temecula Valley in southwestern Riverside County. Savanna High School captured first place in the veterans division and Oak Park High School took the top prize in the rookie division.
"Over the last three days, all of the Solar Cup participants have had hands-on experiences in problem-solving, teamwork and sportsmanship that will serve them well as they continue to complete their educations and start their careers. In the end, in our eyes, they're all winners," said Randy Record, a vice chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Directors who represents the Eastern Municipal Water District.
Joining in the awards presentations were Metropolitan board members David DeJesus, representing Three Valleys Municipal Water District, and Glen Peterson of Las Virgenes Municipal Water District.
"Solar Cup also teaches the students indispensable lessons in the importance of saving and maintaining our precious water resources and the value of renewable resources," Metropolitan General Manager Jeffrey Kightlinger said.
Teams completed a series of qualifying events Friday (May 13) supported by Metropolitan staff and a technical advisory team from Occidental and Harvey Mudd colleges to ensure boats met rules and were safe and seaworthy. Saturday (May 14), the teams attached solar-collection panels to the boats for two, 90-minute 1.2-kilometer endurance races.
Today, the heavy solar-collection panels were removed and, using solar energy stored in batteries, raced down a 200-meter stretch—like drag racing on water.
The 2011 Solar Cup program began last fall when Metropolitan's member agencies announced their school sponsorships. Teams are sponsored by their local water agencies and other organizations to equip the crafts with solar panels, batteries, steering and related systems.
Metropolitan provides teams with identical kits of marine-grade plywood to build the hull. While all teams must build a new boat and equip it, returning teams may use equipment from previous boats.
Following are the trophies and awards presented today. Complete Solar Cup scores will be posted as soon as possible at Metropolitan's Web site, mwdh2o.com.
 | Veteran Teams, Cities, sponsoring member/local agency: |
First Place—Savanna High School, Anaheim, Anaheim Public Utilities. | |
Hottest-Looking Boat—La Cañada High School, La Cañada Flintridge, Foothill Municipal Water District, La Cañada Irrigation District. | |
 | |
Rookie Division--Teams, Cities, sponsoring member/local agency: | |
First Place—Oak Park High School, Oak Park, Calleguas Municipal Water District. | |
Hottest-Looking Boat—Southeast ROP/Norwalk High School, Norwalk, Central Municipal Water District. | |
 | |
Bart Beziak Memorial Spirit of Solar Cup Trophy [sportsmanship]—Anaheim High School "For their spirit and overall positive attitude." | |
 | |
Teamwork Award—San Jacinto High School. |
Contacts:
For Metropolitan Water District of Southern California
Armando
Acuña, 530-574-3111 (mobile)
Bob Muir, 213-324-5213 (mobile)