Originally published on 1Sun4All.
After 13 days of sailing, Planetsolar, the world’s largest solar boat, dropped anchor on June 6 in Atalayoun, Morocco, at the heart of the Marchica lagoon, reports Planetsolar.
The first days at sea were rather difficult, with headwinds in high maritime traffic areas such as the English Channel. Fortunately, the weather conditions gradually improved, enabling us to reach speeds of up to 10 knots. We are honored by this invitation and are delighted to participate in the celebration of this beautiful lagoon. –Gérard d’Aboville, captain of the ship
Planetsolar Makes a Stop in Atalayoun, Morocco to Celebrate the Completion of the Marchica Lagoon’s Decontamination!
On her way to Morocco | © All rights reserved PlanetSolar
The catamaran’s stopover in this area is part of an ambitious development plan of the Marchica lagoon site, started in 2008 by Moroccan authorities. The project aims to galvanize the region while protecting and highlighting the lagoon’s natural resources and promoting renewable energies.
The ship is in port to pass along her positive message about the efficiency of photovoltaic energy and its many applications, as well as to announce her partnership with MarchicaMed, the agency in charge of the site’s development. PlanetSolar will manage a pilot project that aims to power the Marchica harbor master’s office completely autonomously and without CO2 emissions, as well as the addition of a fleet of electro-solar boats for lagoon transportation.
On her way to Morocco | © All rights reserved PlanetSolar
The catamaran will stop in the Kingdom of Morocco for about two weeks. Then she will sail towards Monaco to participate in the “Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup” solar boat race, as jury host.
The ship will then dash off to Greek waters, and again become a scientific platform for the University of Geneva, this time to study submerged prehistoric landscapes during the “TerraSubmersa” expedition.
A week of celebrations for the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar
While docked at the Atalayoun North Marina, activities will be organized on and around the ship from June 7-14. Displays will present the Marchica lagoon development plan in detail as well as the work carried out to complete the decontamination.
For the younger ones, a workshop for building a model of a small solar boat will be offered. In parallel, the boat will be open to the public, raising awareness about issues regarding the use of renewable energies.
The new PlanetSolar website has been launched! Follow the solar ship’s travels, in real time.
Author’s note: PlanetSolar started this voyage in a fishing port south of Calais, the captain and crew sailing past the beaches of France that were the D-Day assault routes into Normandy. A handful of days later, the 70th Anniversary of
D-Day operations conducted by the Allies during World War II on June 6, 1944, were celebrated. The D-Day heroes were honored at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial in Colleville-Sur-Mer, France on June 6, 2014.
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