Originally published on 1Sun4All.
After more than six months in Lorient, France, the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar sailed to Boulogne-sur-Mer, located south of Calais, for the first stop in her 2014 campaign. Invited as the guest of honour at the 23rd Festival des Images de Mer (Festival of Sea Images), the largest solar boat in the world will remain moored at the Gambetta dock until 28 April, according to PlanetSolar.
In collaboration with the Nausicaä Centre National de la Mer (National Aquarium Centre), numerous events aboard and around the vessel will give PlanetSolar the opportunity to promote photovoltaic energy and raise public awareness on energy issues. This first port of call will also be the opportunity to introduce the 2014 campaign programme. Here’s more from the PlanetSolar team:
MS Tûranor PlanetSolar Dropped Anchor at Boulogne-sur-Mer, France, the First Stopover in her 2014 Campaign!
MS Tûranor PlanetSolar in Boulogne-sur-Mer | April 10, 2014 | © All rights reserved PlanetSolar
The navigation of the first 420 nautical miles of the 2014 campaign, the distance between the two French cities, was smooth. The vessel benefited from good weather conditions allowing her to cross the tricky passage of the Channel without any major difficulties.
After a few days at sea, captain Gérard d’Aboville dropped anchor at Gambetta Dock, at the centre of the town Nord-pas-de-Calaisienne:
The weather conditions were favourable. The wind and the current were on our side and the sunshine was enough to let us reach Boulogne-sur-Mer in a timely manner. The crew and I are delighted to be back on board the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar and we are happy with our new itinerary!
To organise the arrival of the world’s largest solar boat in Boulogne-sur-Mer on the evening of 13 April, PlanetSolar was able to count on support from Nausicaa, the Centre National de la Mer.
Managing Director, Philippe Vallette:
PlanetSolar has given us a new way to sail, understand the sea and the oceans and to involve each scientific, economic, political or social actor. This vision, carried by NAUSICAA, is that of the Blue Society. We are very excited to welcome the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar to Boulogne-sur-Mer for the official kick-off of her new campaign.
Boulogne-sur-Mer, a Port of Call Replete with Events Around the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar
MS Tûranor PlanetSolar in Boulogne-sur-Mer | April 10, 2014 | © All rights reserved PlanetSolar
The solar vessel’s stopover will revolve around several events taking place from 15 to 28 April. In particular, she will be the guest of honour at the 23rd Festival de Mer (17-21 April 2014), hosted by Nausicaa. Visits for schools and the general public, conferences and the broadcast of “Operation Solar”, the documentary tracing the scientific expedition along the Gulf Stream realized in 2013, are part of the programme.
The MS Tûranor PlanetSolar will Pursue her Itinerary on the Mediterranean Sea
After these 10 days of festivities, the catamaran will then continue her journey toward the Mediterranean Sea. She will stop at Attalayoun, Morocco, at the heart of the Marchica Lagoon. The local authorities look upon the boat’s arrival in this region as a way of encouraging the use of renewable energy as part of an ambitious revitalisation project of the area. The catamaran will then head for the Principality of Monaco where she will host new events as part of the “2014 Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup”, the first solar boat race organised in Monaco.
It is expected that the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar will then head toward Greece where it will be scheduled, in collaboration with the University of Geneva, to resume her role as a scientific platform for the purpose of studying submerged prehistoric landscapes.
Authors Note: Watch for the new PlanetSolar website, it will be launched soon!
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