9 July: Fourth stage through the north of Friesland

9 July: Fourth stage through the north of Friesland

During the fourth stage of the DONG Energy Frisian Solar Challenge the solar boats are heading to the north of Friesland. After the start in Franeker at 9.30 o’clock the boats are heading in the direction of Dokkum. Due to motor problems it was not possible for the three Brazilian teams, A9, A13 and A24 to start. They are withdrawing from the race and therefore they are not starting tomorrow too.

Because there is work in progress at the locks and bridges in the northern part of the eleven city route, the fleet is boating through Leeuwarden. That’s the reason why all teams don’t have to kluun today. In earlier editions of the race the boats had to be lifted out of the water by the teams at two places in the route. A few metres after the bridge or lock the boats could be launched in the water again. From leeuwarden it goes to Birdaard. There is at 15.00 o’clock the restart for the last part till Dokkum. The teams have to pass a distance of 45 kilometres today.

In all rankings it is thrilling. In the Top-class as well as in the Challenge A the first three teams are close to each other. A steering error or technical problem can be fatal for the ranking. In the Challenge B the numbers two en three are really close. The stages of today and tomorrow will be defining for the winners of this edition. Also yesterday evening some teams worked hard on their boats.