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T83: the Lucky number of Furia 3

While the entry forms are coming in at the organisations office of the DONG Energy Solar Challenge, one team was conspicuous by absence; the Private Energy Solar Team with their Furia 3. The winner of the Top class in 2010 enters the race and gets their old competition number T83. But, will this number be their lucky one? Skipper Gerard van der Schaar lets us know.

How is it to defend your title?
During the race of 2010 we were the underdog. We were not really well-known and by winning this changed. People know us now. Therefore it was also easier to get sponsors. Besides that, this is going to be our third time so we have a lot of experience.

What is going to change on your boat?
In 2010 some participants showed the potential of hydrofoils, but we didn’t succeed in applying those. Luckily, cause the hydrofoils brought TU Delft and Andela some problems. This time we choose to have a sharp boat, but we are still examining the possibilities for hydrofoils.

Did you wait for entering the race to get your old number?
Yes! In 2010 we won with T83 and I always sail with number three. When we participated in the Dutch Open Solarboat Challenge, Andela got T83. Andela won the general classification, while we had the same amount of points. By winning the last stage, Andela won with our number. So this year we waited until the first two teams entered the Top class, so we were able to get ‘our’ number.

Of which participants you expect the most competition?
That is hard to say. TU Delft, Windesheim and Andela are all three good teams. It is not only about the fastest boat, but also about the best skipper. Besides that, the waters in Zeeland of the Dutch Open Solarboat Challenge are more open and therefore really different of the waters in Friesland.

Do you have good intentions for 2012?
Finding more time besides our work at MG Electronics, to finish our boat. The goal for the race is to finish in the top 3.

Click on a title to read this blog:

Nov 2011 – Wojciech Litwin, team leader of the Gdansk University of Technology

July 2011 – Joris Melkert, head of the Technical Commitee

May 2011 – Natasja Kesteloo, head of race-organization: ‘Higher level of competition’

June 2010 - RTL 7, Frank Verzantvoort: ‘Frisian Solar Challenge is one big challenge for us’

‘Climate neutral participation is more important to us then winning’

‘FSC is the world championship for solar boats’

Follow the Frisian Solar Challenge: live on internet!