The CoreComm Balaton Solar Boat Challenge was a celebration of boating and sustainability

The CoreComm Balaton Solar Boat Challenge competition was held for the first time in Hungary this weekend in Balatonalmádi, with ten teams of solar-powered boats of their own design and construction. Not only boating enthusiasts, but also those interested in the region and sustainability were able to choose from an exciting programme of activities.
Ten teams competed in Balatonalmadi with their self-built solar-powered boats. Enthusiastic students came from the Netherlands, Germany and Poland.

Two Hungarian teams took part in the competition, one representing the Pannon University in Veszprém and the other the Budapest University of Technology and Economics.
The Solar Boat races have four main events: a six-hour race (where the longest distance has to be covered in 3 hours), a slalom race, a speed race and a championship race. The latter is a spectacular combination of straight elimination races.

This race has long been popular abroad, with races having been organised in Monaco, Madeira and the Netherlands, and the first Hungarian venue has now joined them. The CoreComm Balaton Solar Boat Challenge was organised by the University of Pannonia, the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture programme, the Hungarian Sailing Association and the municipality of Balatonalmádi.

The international solar boat race was both fun and entertaining, but also educated people about environmental awareness. Participants gained theoretical knowledge through sustainable energy solutions and practical experience in designing, building and operating the boat.

The international field competed on Lake Balaton from 24-27 August. The closing ceremony was attended by Tibor Navracsics, Minister of Regional Development, and Csaba Lantos, Minister of Energy, who both praised the environmentally friendly competition. The rivalry was not about the placings, but more about raising awareness and sustainability: how to build more environmentally friendly watercraft using the latest technologies.

Watch the sneek peek video here: https://youtu.be/KsmLtNQMpEk